Opera Software ASA : enters Nepalese market in partnership with leading telecommunications company Ncell

Kathmandu, Nepal - August 11, 2014

In its first partnership in Nepal, Opera Software has joined hands with Ncell, Nepal's leading telecommunications operator, to boost mobile web services across the country. With this deal, Ncell will be able to offer a co-branded version of the Opera Mini web browser to its more than 11 million subscribers.

Opera Mini features a unique data-saving technology, which compresses webpages by up to 90%, giving operators the power to offer a smooth mobile web experience, while not having to worry about congesting their networks with new users and increased data traffic. Opera Mini works on over 3,000 phones, across most mobile platforms, including Java, Android and iOS. A co-branded version of Opera Mini gives operators an opportunity to connect with Opera Mini users in a more customized and unobtrusive fashion. And, they can seamlessly promote their brand and services as a part of the user experience.

Sanju Koirala, Corporate Communication Director, Ncell, says, "The behavior of our mobile users is gradually shifting from being just voice and SMS to using data. Ncell has always been committed to providing Nepalese consumers with the finest mobile services of world-class standard. This tie-up is in line with that very philosophy. We are sure that with Opera Mini's trusted technology, we will be able to extend a rich and smooth mobile browsing experience to our subscribers."

The mobile internet market in Nepal is booming, fuelled by the adoption of smartphones and the growing popularity of social networking. According to Opera statistics, the number of Opera Mini users on smartphones in Nepal has grown by 218% over the previous year. Android users alone have more than tripled, and the trend is still pointing upwards.

Sunil Kamath, Vice President for South Asia at Opera Software, says, "Of all the internet users in Nepal, 95% access the web from mobile devices and a large number of them are on the Ncell network. This partnership is strategic for us, as we are able to establish a direct reach with their mobile users in the country. We are confident Opera Mini will be effective in encouraging users to browse online more often."

In addition to this, NCell has also unveiled some exciting Facebook packs under which customers will get double value for the same price and Facebook access from just 25 paisa per MB (excluding taxes). The daily pack, priced at Rs 9(excluding taxes) will offer customers 20 MB data against the previous 10 MB data. The weekly pack costing Rs. 49(excluding taxes) will now include 140 MB data instead of 70 MB and likewise, the monthly pack, priced at Rs. 149(excluding taxes) will include 600 MB data; against the earlier 300 MB data. Subscribers can keep using Facebook at 99 paisa per MB (excluding taxes) within the validity period even after consuming all the data in the packs. These offers are valid for a month only.

NCell subscribers can visit m.opera.com to download this customized, co-branded version of Opera Mini.  

Ncell Pvt. Ltd., the first private GSM operator of Nepal, is the largest mobile service provider in the country. We connect more than 11.5 million people to the voice and Internet services and are committed to provide world class customer experience to our customers. We are a part of TeliaSonera, a leading European telecommunication company that is among the inventors of mobile communication, and have been catering to the customers' need and driving innovations through our international strength and local excellence. Learn more about Ncell at www.ncell.com.np

Opera Software crafts products and services that connect 350 million people to the internet. More than 130 operators around the world choose to work with us to give their customers the best web experience. Our mobile advertising platform enables publishers to monetize their content and allows brands to reach a global audience of more than 500 million consumers.www.opera.com.

Opera, Opera Mini, O logo and Opera Software logo are trademarks of Opera Software ASA. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.