Web browser operator Opera says it has saved SA users close to R200m over the past three years using technology that compresses websites and browsing activity, thereby reducing data consumption.
For many years, companies have been working on ways to increase internet usage in SA, against the backdrop of high data costs for consumers.
While data prices have fallen by more than 50%, driven in large part by a lengthy investigation by the Competition Commission, which forced mobile operators to lower their charges, consumers still see internet access as costly.
Those looking to drive internet traffic to their online platforms use one or a combination of methods to do so.
First is compression technology, which reduces the amount of data consumed. Second is companies like Meta, which offer stripped down or “lite” versions of their platforms, for example Facebook Lite. Third is zero rating, making specific websites and services accessible at no data cost.
Opera, which has more than 100-million users globally, employs a combination of all these techniques.
“For years, Opera Mini has played a key role in improving internet accessibility across SA. Our turbo data-saving mode can reduce data usage by up to 90% compared to other major browsers,” the company said.
The Norwegian technology company said it has saved South Africans the equivalent of $10m (R185.81m) in data costs through compression technology.
When asked by Business Day how many users it has in SA, the company declined to disclose the information, instead saying “SA is one of Opera Mini’s biggest markets, with millions of active users”.
According to an Opera survey from March, 80% of South Africans said data was too expensive, and more than two thirds (69%) reported regularly running out of data before the end of the month.
Opera’s system works by compressing web pages before they are sent to a user’s device. This allows users to browse more web pages with the same amount of data, helping to save on data costs. This is particularly true for mobile devices, and can improve loading speeds, especially on slower connections.
The company has now added its AI tool, Aria, to Opera Mini, zero rated for SA users. This adds to the “millions of dollars” that Opera says it has invested in free data campaigns in SA since 2022.
“AI is rapidly becoming an integral part of the daily internet experience, and we’re seeing a great interest in AI solutions among South Africans, so bringing Aria to Opera Mini is a natural addition to our most-downloaded browser,” said Opera’s Jørgen Arnesen.
“With the integration of our built-in AI, Aria, we’re excited to explore how AI can further enhance the feature set our SA users rely on every day.”
The free data campaigns, in partnership with MTN, allow South Africans using Opera Mini and being on the MTN network to get as much as 3GB of data each month at no cost.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.