Opera Software, recently announced that it has permanently removed the ad banner and licensing fee from its web browser.

The ad-free, full-featured Opera browser is available for download at no charge. Opera was previously available free of charge with an ad banner where users had the option of paying a licensing fee to remove the ad banner. Available in 20 languages the browser includes features such as quick navigation using intuitive mouse gestures and browser tabs, starting from the last browsing session ended or saving your entire session, accessing downloaded files with the transfer manager, protecting against identity theft and phishing with integrated security features and Speak up: surf the web hands-free using voice commands.

"Today we invite the entire Internet community to use Opera and experience Web browsing as it should be. Removing the ad banner and licensing fee will encourage many new users to discover the speed, security and unmatched usability of the Opera browser," said Jon S. von Tetzchner, CEO, Opera Software.