Here are the most recent results of running speed tests of Opera and Chrome:
Using http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/ to New York, ISP Verizon:

Chrome: Download 22.2Mbps, Upload 18.7Mbps

Opera (with VPN): Download 1.4Mbps, Upload 1.3Mbps
NOTE: Instead of Verizon, the ISP listed with the VPN is “Very Games SARL 77.111.246.16”
Opera (No VPN): Download 22.2Mbps, Upload 18.9Mbps
[NOTE: These speeds have been verified on several Public WiFi locations using different ISP’s]

The Opera VPN has never been this slow, affecting all websites, particularly streaming and videos.
In fact the VPN is currently unusable for streaming and video downloads; whereas prior to December there were no buffering issues.

It has been learned that in November of this year Opera sold its EasySurf VPN to Symantec. The coincidence between the VPN slowdown and the sale of EasySurf to Symantec cannot be ignored; Symantec is throttling the speed of the FREE users. Why would Opera lose control of EasySurf by selling its competitive advantage?