Chinese internet service companies looking to crack the Indian market have notched up another milestone with Chinese firm UCWeb’s mobile browser becoming the most used browser in India, according to recent data from StatCounter.
This development assumes significance in the light of Intelligence Bureau’s (IB) stance towards other Chinese internet services. For instance, the IB had, last month, proposed a ban on Chinese mobile messenger WeChat, citing national security concerns.
Nevertheless, StatCounter, a web traffic analysis tool, now places UC Browser (a UCWeb mobile service) at having a 30 per cent market share for the month of July—narrowly beating previous market leader Opera. UCWeb has also aggressively expanded its India unit operations, apart ramping up headcount, over the last one year. Its increased market share is also due to the company extending its global partnership with Samsung and LG to the Indian market.
UCWeb is also planning to soon tie-up with local Indian handset makers , according to people with direct knowledge of the matter.
“The company has huge investment plans for India. What remains to be seen if there will be any regulatory challenges in store for them as WeChat has faced,” said an analyst, who did not wish to be identified.
