Highlights

  • Beeline Kazakhstan and Rakuten Symphony sign MoU to explore technology collaboration
  • Focus areas include Open RAN, AI-enabled networks, and cloud-native infrastructure
  • Agreement outlines a framework to assess next-generation digital services in Kazakhstan

VEON Ltd. (NASDQAQ:VEON) and Rakuten Group, Inc. announced that Beeline Kazakhstan Holding, VEON’s digital operator in Kazakhstan, and Rakuten Symphony, a subsidiary of Rakuten Group, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement is intended to explore strategic collaboration across next-generation connectivity, digital services, and cloud-native telecom network infrastructure.

The MoU establishes a non-binding framework for cooperation, under which both parties will evaluate opportunities to work together on modern, software-driven telecom networks and scalable digital platforms. The initiative reflects broader industry shifts toward open, automated, and cloud-based network models.

Focus on Open and Software-Driven Networks

Under the framework, Beeline Kazakhstan and Rakuten Symphony will assess collaboration opportunities in several priority technology areas. These include Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) architectures, artificial intelligence-powered network intelligence, next-generation digital platforms, cloud solutions, and global IoT and mobile workforce connectivity.

The collaboration aims to examine how these technologies could support the continued evolution of telecom infrastructure and digital services in Kazakhstan. The companies noted that any future initiatives would be subject to further discussions and evaluations.

Executive Commentary on Collaboration Scope

“Our networks and business models are undergoing a profound transformation driven by cloud, automation and artificial intelligence,” said Evgeniy Nastradin, CEO of Beeline Kazakhstan Holding. “This collaboration reflects our ambition to explore next-generation network architectures and digital platforms that can enhance efficiency, resilience, and customer experience. By pairing our local expertise with Rakuten Symphony’s global innovation capabilities, we seek to unlock new opportunities for Kazakhstan’s digital ecosystem.”

Sharad Sriwastawa, President of Rakuten Symphony, said, “We are delighted to expand our partnership with VEON through this collaboration with Beeline Kazakhstan, a forward-thinking operator that shares our vision for the future of telecommunications. Today’s announcement underscores our shared commitment to driving the future of telecom with open, cloud-native architectures.”

VEON Group CEO Kaan Terzioglu added, “This collaboration will enable us to explore how Rakuten Symphony’s cutting-edge capabilities and business model can enhance Beeline Kazakhstan’s continued network evolution and digital service ambitions.”

Broader VEON–Rakuten Engagement

The announcement follows an existing collaboration between Rakuten Symphony and Kyivstar Group, another VEON Group company, in Ukraine. VEON stated that this MoU marks the expansion of engagement between the two groups into a second operating market.

VEON operates across multiple countries, providing connectivity and digital services to a large user base, while Rakuten Symphony focuses on cloud-native and open telecom network solutions.

Shares of VEON last traded at USD 52.70 on December 22, 2025.