Are you using Opera browser? Have you loaded an Internet bundle but totally failed to connect to the Internet through an Opera Browser? Well, You are not alone. All MTN internet users will not be able to use the Opera browsers until further notice. This follows a move by the Republic of South Africa based telecom company to block Opera browsers from connecting to the Internet.
Norwegian tech firm Opera Software became the first major browser developer to fully embrace virtual private networking back in 2006. The company’s first launched its VPN efforts in a desktop browser. A few months later, Opera released a free VPN app for mobile iOS and later Android.
The OTT Tax and Mobile Money Transaction tax, probably the most hated taxes in Uganda right now have received major criticism from the public. Some people went as far as launching law suits against the Government for effecting these atrocious taxes. However, enforcers have shut their eyes to all the criticism as enforcement of the taxes continues.
MTN Blocks Opera Browsers.
MTN’s move to block Opera browsers seems harsh and aggressive. However, the commission hinted on blocking all VPN services to prevent any chances of people accessing OTT services without paying the OTT Tax. Opera browsers incorporate some kind of natural VPN in them. Consequently, we speculate that MTN looks at Opera browsers as portals through which tax can be evaded. Maybe that’s why it pulled the plug on them.
MTN confirmed the block via a tweet. However, no explanation was given to justify why MTN blocks Opera browsers. It should be noted that other telecom companies have not blocked any of Operas browsers. Anyways, MTN Internet users (and those that may need a new browser), we have compiled a list of viable alternatives to Opera browsers.
Alternatives browsers to Opera Browser
UC Browser
UC Browser is a free web browser for Android devices with fast download, Data saving and Ad-Blocking with a smooth experience. It has a bunch of other features but its Facebook and Night mode are some of the great additions. It also has a Mini version (UC Mini) that gives you a great browsing experience in a tiny package. The app is also available for Windows if you wish to install it on your computer.
Chrome
Chrome is a fast, easy to use and secure web browser. Google Chrome brings you personalized news articles, quick links to your favorite apps, downloads Google search and Translate built-in. Its mobile experience is reminiscent of the great web experience.
Firefox
Mozilla’s Firefox browser delivers a fast, smart and personal web experience. Firefox is a people-first browser from Mozilla. You will surely miss the VPN capabilities of Opera, but you will join hundreds of millions of other Firefox users who enjoy personalized web browsing.
Puffin
Puffin Android browser is wicked fast. When put to the test of several Benchmarks, Puffin aced most of them. Puffin users speak proudly of the break neck speeds of the browser. It includes Adobe-Flash-Over-Cloud 24/7 without additional in-app purchases. However, it doesn’t have a light weight version. Consequently, it may not run on low memory phones.
Ghostery
The Ghostery Privacy Browser increases your browsing privacy, protection and speed. This light weight browser gives you ultimate control about the personal data you share with trackers on the sites you visit. Now that MTN blocks opera browsers, this might be your light weight alternative.
