Cab aggregator Ola has launched a lightweight mobile website that would give customers an app-like experience while consuming lesser amount of data when compared to normal websites. The lightweight site can be used to book an auto or a cab across the categories that Ola offers. Once the entry location and drop location is entered, the customer is required to enter their mobile number for authentication. Ola is targeting tier 2, tier 3 and tier 4 cities of India with the new launch. Currently on the site, a user can choose to pay using cash or Ola money, however, a customer needs to access the Ola app to add or recharge Ola Money. Ola’s claims that its lightweight site consumes only 50 KB data while loading the site for the first time and 10 KB on subsequent loads as per the company. Ola says that on a 2G network, the web app has recorded an initial load time of 3.4 seconds while repeat load time is less than one second. Note that Ola had started offline booking option in October last year. Through Ola Offline, a customer can book a cab by sending an SMS and effectively allows users to book cabs in spite of low or no internet connectivity. With the new website launch, Ola is basically reversing its app-only strategy and start to focus on users without a smartphone. Other companies with lite version Several companies apart from Ola have introduced lightweight websites and apps to help overcome network issues faced…
