Idea Cellular inks deal to provide enhanced mobile browsing experience

Customers will be able to download the co-branded version of Opera Mini mobile web browser from March.

Mobile service provider Idea Cellular has tied up with Opera Software to offer subscribers an enhanced browsing experience on mobile devices. According to the alliance, Idea will offer a customised Opera Mini mobile web browser to its subscribers across India.

Idea subscribers can download the co-branded version of Opera Mini on their devices from March-end. Opera Mini is a mass market web browser offered free of charge, and provides a rich web experience for users across various mobile phones. With Opera's cross-platform UI (user interface) framework, operators can deploy a consistent experience, look and feel across their product offerings.

The browser used the Java ME platform and required mobile devices to run Java ME applications till Version 4. From Version 5, it is also available for Android, iOS, Symbian OS, and Windows Mobile platforms.

In a press statement, Lars Boilesen, chief executive officer, Opera Software, says, "Opera Mini is the ideal enabler for the web on all mobile phones, bringing the internet to all devices, regardless of device constraints and platforms. As the mobile landscape in India grows and changes, we hope to work together with Idea Cellular and continue to build value."

The tie-up is being seen as another step towards fulfilling consumers' expectations of more functionality and immediacy from their mobile browsing experiences as mobile networks accommodate more content.

"In emerging markets such as India, the mobile phone will soon become the primary way of accessing the internet. We are arming ourselves with the best-in-class solutions to cater to this data hungry population," says Sashi Shankar, chief marketing officer, Idea Cellular.