Use of mobile web-browser Opera Mini has increased ‘six-fold’ among Telecel customers, says the Zimbabwean mobile operator.

Telecel, which is Zimbabwe’s second largest mobile operator with over 2 million subscribers, says the use of the Opera Mini Telecel co-branded web-browser has surged over the last 18 months.

The operator, though, has not revealed as to how many users are using the Opera browser.

Nevertheless, Telecel says it was the first Zimbabwean mobile phone network operator to launch a co-branded Opera Mini browser. The browser was launched locally in February last year.

Opera claims its Mini browser compresses data file sizes by up to 90%, resulting in browsing speeds that are ‘10 times faster’ than normal and lower data costs for those who use it.

“Subscribers who make use of Opera Mini for browsing can improve on their download speeds and the quality of their browsing. They can also save money,” said Telecel communications and branding director Obert Mandimika.