Mi-Fone, the company that specialises in manufacturing inexpensive mobile phones for the African market, has partnered with Opera Software in an effort to improve mobile browsing in Africa.
All data-capable Mi-Fones will now come with the Opera Mini browser preinstalled. Mi-Fone says it is one of the fastest growing mobile device brands on the continent, and has sold over one million handsets since the company's launch three years ago.
“Our strategy is simple,” says Alpesh Patel, CEO and founder of Mi-Fone. “We develop affordable, world-class mobile devices for the aspirational young African mobile user who requires the latest technology without the price tag normally associated with high-end mobile handsets.”
Mi-Fone has developed strategic partnerships with distributors and GSM carriers, and handsets preloaded with the Opera Mini browser are already available in key markets such as Nigeria, SA, Kenya and Ghana. Other countries where Mi-Fone handsets are available include Senegal, Rwanda and Tanzania.
According to Patel, the agreement with Opera Software is in line with Mi-Fone's commitment to empowering the average consumer. “We are delighted with this partnership and believe it will assist us in leading the market for low-cost handsets in Africa.
“Fixed-line infrastructure in Africa is not the preferred means of accessing the Internet, so being able to provide this solution, combined with our-high value and low-cost handsets, will be a significant market differentiator.”
Compressed data
According to a statement, Opera Mini is used by 115 million people. The browser reduces data costs by shrinking the pages before they are delivered, while retaining the functionality of a normal Web page.
“Loading Facebook just once on a handheld device will use up more than 200KB worth of data. With a browser like Opera Mini, which shrinks data down to a fraction of its original size, users can view Facebook 8.5 times using that same 200KB,” says Boilesen.
“At the same time, when the powerful compression technology in the full browser is applied to the Opera Mini browser, the Web is accessible on even the simplest handsets, including those with small screens and limited memory.
“Africa is a booming market for us, and this deal with Mi-Fone will bring the best Internet experience possible to millions of people clamouring for mobile Internet access,” says Boilesen.
“Opera believes that Internet access is a universal right, and being part of bringing that to Africa is key for us.”
Android for Africa
The announcement of the partnership between Opera and Mi-Fone follows Mi-Fone's release of five new budget Android smartphones for the African market from this month.
Aimed at budget customers, Mi-Fone's range of Android smartphones include EDGE and full 3G HSDPA support. The phones are all preloaded with the Opera Mini browser.
Mi-Fone smartphones range in price from R500 to R1 500, and are stocked in SA at selected Cellucity and Ideals stores. The handsets can also be purchased online via the Mi-Fone Web site.
The touch-screen Android phones add to the manufacturer's range of devices, which include the BlackBerry-like qwerty handsets, as well as the simpler slide and candy-bar phones.
“Right now, in Africa, Mi-Fone caters for the ultra-low-cost 2G feature phone market, and with the Android Edge/3G additions, we believe we add an extra dimension to ensuring we deliver the ultimate mass market user experience,” says Patel.
According to Mi-Fone, the company's strategy is proving successful “in the time-old David versus Goliath battle”.
“As the first African handset manufacturer, we develop and tailor-make communication solutions for Africa, rather than simply being a box-mover and trying to hit over-ambitious quarterly numbers, as is the case with the big brands.”
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