Opera sees an alternative role in Facebook's Internet initiative

Norwegian Internet browser maker Opera Software expects its data-light mobile phone browser will play a central role in a Facebook-led project aimed at bringing Internet access to third-world consumers.

Opera CEO Lars Boilesen said that in emerging markets, some 40 percent of Facebook traffic is already going through Opera. Boilesen said that even though Opera does not expect short-term gain from the project, he hopes it will help boost Opera's user numbers. "Since we started this company, our goal has been to get as many people as possible to use our software. We just have to figure out a way to make money out of it later," he said. Opera generates money from searches and advertising in their browsers, and through partnerships with mobile phone operators. Boilesen said Opera has met several times with Facebook executives, and that "the wheels are already in motion". He declined to give details about the cooperation but said he expected Facebook to elaborate on the project shortly.