Budapest, Hungary – February 24, 2012
Today, Vodafone Hungary and Opera Software launched a special version of the Opera Mini mobile web browser, available now for almost all internet-capable phones on the Vodafone network, as a part of an extended agreement between both companies.
This special version of Opera Mini for Vodafone’s subscribers provides a better and faster browsing experience for both smartphones and non-smartphones. With its new Speed Dial website shortcuts, users get instant access to their favorite local websites and services, such as Vodafone Live and Vodafone Kedd.
Opera Mini is the most popular mobile browser in the world, used by 160 million people. It works smoothly on all major mobile platforms and devices. With its speed, cost savings and platform integration, Opera Mini usage is booming in Hungary, and Opera Mini for Android is already almost as big there as Opera Mini for Java.
Richard Sherwood, Consumer Director at Vodafone, said: “We continuously strive to provide our customers with the best mobile internet experience. That is why we have decided to modernize our network in its entirety. However, not all of our customers use smartphones, so they can”t utilize the real advantages of our lightning-fast network. Opera Mini is a perfect solution for them, as it compresses web contents, so mobile internet can be almost as fast, as with brand-new smartphones.”
Satisfied “mobile only” generation
Opera and OnDevice Research asked Opera Mini users in several countries from different regions of the world how satisfied they are with their operator and mobile device. The research showed that Hungarians lead the ranking as the most satisfied users in both categories. The same study indicates that 33% of Hungarians who use the mobile web either never, or infrequently, use desktop internet. This group, called the “mobile only” generation, is considerably larger in Hungary than in countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom (25% and 22% respectively).
Hungary is also one of the largest countries for Opera Mini usage in the European Union and is still growing spectacularly. Last year, over 159% more Hungarians used Opera Mini compared to 2010. In this category, Hungary overtook not only its European neighbors, but also global trends, far ahead of the 78.45% global growth in Opera Mini usage in 2011.
“We see Hungary as one of the fastest growing markets for Opera Mini around the world,” said Lars Boilesen, CEO, Opera Software. “In this country, where we have so many satisfied users, bringing the new special version of Opera Mini guarantees a more convenient and enjoyable web experience.”
About Vodafone Hungary
Vodafone is one of the world’s largest mobile communications companies by revenue with approximately 382 million proportionate customers. Vodafone currently has equity interests in over 30 countries across five continents and over 40 partner networks worldwide. Vodafone provides full range of mobile communication services including voice and data communication. Vodafone Hungary Ltd. launched its service in 30 November 1999 in Hungary and currently has a market share of 22.57% (January 2012). Vodafone Hungary is an integrated technological service provider focusing strongly on offering services for mobile communication, mobile internet and broadband data providing for personal and business subscribers as well.