1. VEON and Rakuten signed an MoU for strategic collaboration in Kazakhstan. 2. The focus includes next-gen connectivity, cloud services, and AI technologies. 3. Beeline Kazakhstan aims to enhance digital services using Rakuten's expertise. 4. Kyivstar Group in Ukraine collaborates with Rakuten on similar initiatives. 5. This partnership may strengthen VEON’s market position and service offerings.
FAQ
Why Bullish?
The collaboration is likely to enhance VEON's service offerings and market competitiveness. Historical trends show similar partnerships can increase stock value.
How important is it?
The partnership with Rakuten is significant for VEON's growth strategy. It reflects an innovative approach to evolving their technological capabilities.
Why Long Term?
The strategic nature of this collaboration suggests sustained benefits over time, similar to past tech partnerships that led to market growth.
VEON and Rakuten Symphony Partner to Enhance Digital Infrastructure in Kazakhstan
On December 23, 2025, VEON Ltd. (Nasdaq: VEON) and Rakuten Group, Inc. (TSE: 4755) announced a significant collaboration between Beeline Kazakhstan, VEON's digital operator, and Rakuten Symphony. This partnership aims to revolutionize next-generation connectivity and digital services while modernizing cloud-native network infrastructure in Kazakhstan.
Details of the Memorandum of Understanding
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Beeline Kazakhstan and Rakuten Symphony establishes a framework for cooperation that targets the evolution of software-driven telecom networks and scalable digital platforms. Key focus areas include:
- Open RAN architectures
- AI-powered network intelligence
- Next-generation digital platforms
- Cloud solutions
- Global IoT and mobile workforce connectivity
This collaboration aims to leverage the strong market position of Beeline Kazakhstan and the innovative capabilities of Rakuten Symphony to drive the modernization of connectivity infrastructure in the region.
Statements from Company Leaders
Evgeniy Nastradin, CEO of Beeline Kazakhstan Holding, emphasized the transformative impact of cloud, automation, and artificial intelligence on their networks. “This collaboration reflects our ambition to explore next-generation network architectures and digital platforms that can enhance efficiency, resilience, and customer experience,” he stated.
Sharad Sriwastawa, President of Rakuten Symphony, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Today’s announcement underscores our shared commitment to driving the future of telecom with open, cloud-native architectures.” He highlighted that combining their expertise aims to deliver innovative solutions and enhanced digital experiences across the region.
Kaan Terzioglu, CEO of VEON Group, noted that this collaboration builds on the leadership demonstrated by Beeline Kazakhstan. “We are delighted to expand our collaboration with Rakuten to a second VEON Group company following Kyivstar Group in Ukraine,” he remarked.
About VEON and Beeline Kazakhstan
VEON is a global digital operator providing connectivity and digital services to nearly 150 million users across five countries, impacting over 6% of the world’s population. Beeline Kazakhstan alone serves 11.9 million mobile customers and approximately one million fixed internet users. The company has established a robust ecosystem with over 60 digital products since initiating its digital operator strategy in 2018.
About Rakuten Symphony
Rakuten Symphony is transforming telecom by adopting modern infrastructure practices that enable rapid service deployment without compromising network quality. With operations across multiple countries, including Japan, the United States, and various regions in Europe and Africa, Rakuten Symphony is redefining industry standards for connectivity and service delivery.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding VEON and Rakuten Symphony's strategic plans and ambitions. Numerous risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ significantly from current projections. For more about these risks, please refer to VEON's latest filings with the SEC.
Contact Information
For further inquiries, please contact:
Hande Asik, Chief Communications and Strategy Officer, VEON
Email: pr@veon.com