Norwegian browser developer Opera Software has entered into an agreement with Cell One to bring Opera Mini 4.1 to the Namibian mobile operators' subscribers.

Cell One will be able to customize the look of the Opera Mini mobile browser to coincide with its corporate branding, while Opera will provide subscribers with a home screen featuring Cell One mail and chat.

"Our priority is to ensure excellent customer experience, and getting online with Opera conveniently will enhance customer satisfaction," said Ronel Le Grange, Cell One's group product manager. "In addition, Cell One will provide access to free e-mail, chat and other value-added services via Opera Mini, making it even easier to exchange content and information while on the go."

The deal helps Opera further its mission of bringing the Web "to anyone, anywhere," according to Opera CEO Jon von Tetzchner.

"Cell One and Opera have planted the seeds for the mobile Web in Namibia, and we anticipate usage numbers to skyrocket in this region, as they have in Egypt and South Africa," Tetzchner said in an interview via e-mail.

The mobile phone is the best device for delivering the Web to Africa, he added, and Opera is, therefore, in discussions with most major telecom operators on the continent to introduce Opera Mini.

"Operators see the opportunity for delivering the Web, and we have the right technology to make that a reality. Because Opera Mini smartly compresses Web pages, it is able to conserve bandwidth on operator networks," allowing service providers to deliver the Web in a cost-efficient manner, Tetzchner explained.

Opera has significantly increased its efforts and investments in Africa this year, and more mobile players are expected to adopt the company's Web browsers. MTN was one of the first African service providers to enter into an agreement with the developer, while Egypt and South Africa currently rank amongst the top-10 Opera Mini users worldwide

The IDG News Service is a Network World affiliate.