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Cape Town - Internet service provider MWeb has announced the launch of MWeb Mobile, a new division of the company that will focus on mobile internet products and services.
"Recent research into mobile phone usage in South Africa by international cellphone browser company Opera Software has shown that some nine million people already access the internet via their mobile phones, with numbers set to expand rapidly in coming years," said a release issued by the company, adding that this growth prompted the move.
Said Natalie Thayer, who heads up the new division: "Connected consumers and business users increasingly need information at their finger tips and are more likely to use their smartphone to find information online than wait until they can access a PC or laptop.
"Being able to do business and remain productive when away from the office is important to this market, and smartphone devices which can synchronise e-mail, calendars and contacts enables these users to work from anywhere," she said.
MWeb said the division will focus its mobile offering on smartphone devices bundled with voice and data packages for users who want internet connectivity on the go.
"When we announced our new strategic focus for MWeb in March this year we said that we would focus our efforts on an audience which enjoys experiencing the power of the internet from a variety of platforms," said Thayer.
"Being able to get your e-mail on the move coupled with the convenience of mobile internet is a key driver of smartphone uptake."
According to Thayer, the division will offer popular smartphone products including the iPhone and devices from HTC and Nokia.
In addition, MWeb Mobile will develop several mobile applications and tools suitable for these specific devices, she said.
- Fin24.com
Fin24.com is part of FinMedia24, a Naspers subsidiary.
