Web browser Opera is set to be used by VimpelCom, which operates mobile networks in Africa, to help subscribers more speedily purchase mobile data and other digital products using cellphones.

African countries in which VimpelCom operates mobile networks include the likes of Burundi, Zimbabwe, the Central African Republic and Algeria.

Both Opera and VimpelCom already have a standing partnership that enables VimpelCom subscribers to access the internet on their mobile phones using the Opera mini browser.

The Opera mini browser compresses pages and pictures in a bid to reduce mobile web-accessibility costs.

Now, Opera and VimpelCom have extended this partnership to include additional services.

“The new framework will make available to VimpelCom operations the entire Opera portfolio of mobile internet products including Opera Web Pass, Skyfire Rocket Optimizer, Horizon and Opera Max that will be introduced in 2014,” the two companies said in a joint press release on Wednesday.

The Rocket Optimizer platform is expected enable mobile subscribers on VimpelCom’s networks to have access to an upgraded mobile video experience. This platform is underpinned by a cloud architecture that compresses video traffic before being downloaded over VimpelCom's networks.

Meanwhile, the Opera Max smartphone app is also planned to boost device-wide optimisation of text, images and streaming video for viewing and downloading on mobile phones at low cost.

Mikhail Gerchuk, the chief commercial and strategy officer at VimpelCom said the Web Pass system, in particular, enables subscribers to access the “most convenient way to find and purchase mobile data bundles and content” using their mobile accounts.

“We now have a strong toolkit which enables us to deliver the best mobile internet customer experience while managing the explosion of mobile data traffic in our networks," he said.

Lars Boilesen, chief executive officer at Opera Software, said increasing volumes of data traffic on mobile networks occasioned problems for mobile companies.

He said the new partnership with VimpelCom is planned to enable the company’s networks to offer its “easy access to data with an improved mobile internet” experience.

“This translates into more active and satisfied users spending more time online, being social and enjoying the content they love."

VimpelCom already has other arrangements and partnerships which enable its subscribers to access platforms and applications such as WhatsApp, Wikimedia, Google Play and Windows Phone stores.

Subscribers are also able use their mobile accounts to pay for digital content.