Norwegian mobile browser specialist Opera Software has agreed to acquire Californian video optimization and smartphone app specialist Skyfire in a deal that could be worth as much as US$155 million over the next three years. Skyfire, which claims three major U.S. mobile operators as customers, gives Opera video and app optimization expertise and a strong base in North America, said Opera CEO Lars Boilesen in the official announcement of the acquisition. Once the fat lady sings (or, in financial parlance, once the deal closes) Skyfire CEO Jeffrey Glueck will become executive vice president of the Operator Business for Opera, as well as continuing as the CEO of Skyfire, which will remain as an independent entity. (See Opera Acquires Skyfire.)
On a more constructive note for Virgin Media, the firm has announced the creation of 400 jobs in the U.K. in the areas of customer care and technical support.
Lebanon is hoping to become a "digital hub," and, as part of this project, the Lebanese government is planning to launch a tender to run its two state-owned mobile operators, reports Reuters. A new submarine link to Cyprus is also planned.
Talk about leaving a sour taste in the mouth… A cider store in Norfolk, U.K., is having to change its name after being bombarded by disgruntled users of various malfunctioning Apple Inc. devices, reports the BBC. The Apple Shop was fielding more than 20 such calls a week, which was more than it could bear. So from Easter it shall be known as The Norfolk Cider Shop. Apparently the nearby Blackberry Shop has been rather quiet of late.
— Paul Rainford, Assistant Editor, Europe, Light Reading
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