VEON’s Beeline Uzbekistan and Rakuten Symphony Partner for Open RAN, AI Collaboration

Rhea-AI Summary

VEON (Nasdaq: VEON) announced a Memorandum of Understanding between Beeline Uzbekistan and Rakuten Symphony to explore collaboration on Open RAN, AI-powered network intelligence, cloud-native platforms, eSIM and international roaming. The MoU, signed at MWC Barcelona 2026, frames technical and commercial assessment across deployment, optimization and digital services.

Key Figures

Beeline Uzbekistan subscribers: 7.7 million Digital service users: more than 9 million

2 metrics

Beeline Uzbekistan subscribers 7.7 million Mobile subscribers served by Beeline Uzbekistan

Digital service users more than 9 million Monthly active users of Beeline Uzbekistan digital services

Market Reality Check

Price: $53.06 Vol: Volume 66,865 is near the...

normal vol

$53.06 Last Close

Volume Volume 66,865 is near the 20-day average of 68,683 (relative volume 0.97). normal

Technical Price 53.06 is trading above the 200-day MA at 51.91, despite a -5.32% daily move.

Peers on Argus

VEON fell -5.32% while close peers showed mixed, modest moves (e.g., LBTYK +1.65...

VEON fell -5.32% while close peers showed mixed, modest moves (e.g., LBTYK +1.65%, LBTYB -1.57%). No broad telecom move indicated.

Previous AI Reports

5 past events · Latest: Dec 08 (Positive)

Same Type Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Dec 08	Hyper cloud data center	Positive	+0.2%	Beeline Kazakhstan began building Tier III hyper cloud and AI data center.
Jun 17	National LLM launch	Positive	+0.0%	Kyivstar partnered with Ukraine’s government to develop a national LLM.
Jun 03	AI tutor launch	Positive	-5.9%	Beeline Kazakhstan launched AI Tutor powered by KazLLM for education.
May 07	AI B2B MoU	Positive	+0.9%	QazCode signed MoU with Seekr to develop AI-powered B2B solutions.
Mar 04	Predictive AI rollout	Positive	-2.2%	Beeline Uzbekistan partnered to deploy AI-driven network automation.

Pattern Detected

AI-related announcements have usually been positive in tone, with mixed market reactions: several small gains alongside notable selloffs, indicating no consistent upside pattern on AI news.

Recent Company History

Over the past year, VEON has issued multiple AI-focused updates across its operating companies. These include a sovereign hyper cloud and AI data center in Kazakhstan, national language-model initiatives in Ukraine and Kazakhstan, and AI-powered education and B2B solutions. Beeline Uzbekistan previously announced predictive AI for network automation. Today’s MoU with Rakuten Symphony in Uzbekistan fits this pattern of deploying AI and cloud-native architectures to enhance networks and digital services in high-growth markets.

Historical Comparison

-1.4% avg move · Past AI-tagged news averaged a -1.39% move. Today’s -5.32% decline is larger than typical but still ...

AI

-1.4%

Average Historical Move AI

Past AI-tagged news averaged a -1.39% move. Today’s -5.32% decline is larger than typical but still in the historical range of AI reactions.

VEON’s AI efforts have evolved from predictive network automation in Uzbekistan to sovereign cloud and data-center infrastructure in Kazakhstan and national LLM projects in Ukraine, with today’s MoU extending AI-driven, cloud-native architectures and digital platforms in Uzbekistan via Rakuten Symphony.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement extends VEON’s AI and cloud-native strategy through a Memorandum of Understanding ...

Analysis

This announcement extends VEON’s AI and cloud-native strategy through a Memorandum of Understanding between Beeline Uzbekistan and Rakuten Symphony, targeting Open RAN, AI-powered network intelligence, eSIM, and digital platforms. It builds on prior AI deployments in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan and complements national LLM initiatives in other markets. Investors may watch for concrete deployment milestones, quantified capex or revenue impacts, and follow-up agreements that move this MoU from exploration to implemented network and service upgrades for Beeline’s 7.7 million subscribers.

Key Terms

open ran, ai-powered network intelligence, cloud-native, esim, +1 more

5 terms

open ran technical

"including on Open RAN development, AI-powered network intelligence"

Open RAN is an approach to building the radio part of mobile networks that breaks the system into standard, swappable pieces so equipment from different suppliers can fit together, like using Lego bricks instead of one molded toy. For investors, it can mean lower equipment costs, more supplier competition and faster innovation — but also potential integration and security risks that can affect telecom vendors, operators and capital spending plans.

ai-powered network intelligence technical

"including on Open RAN development, AI-powered network intelligence"

AI-powered network intelligence uses artificial intelligence to monitor and analyze connections and traffic across digital, organizational or supply networks to spot patterns, anomalies and trends that humans might miss. It matters to investors because it helps companies detect cyberattacks, optimize operations, prevent disruptions and uncover business opportunities faster—think of it as a smart traffic camera that warns managers about accidents, congestion or shortcuts before they cause big problems or costs.

cloud-native technical

"Rakuten Mobile’s AI-powered, cloud-native platform and its track record"

Cloud-native describes a way of creating and running applications that are designed specifically to operate smoothly on cloud computing platforms. Think of it as building a house with flexible, lightweight materials that can be easily moved, scaled, or adjusted as needed, rather than using rigid, traditional construction. For investors, it signifies technology that is more adaptable, efficient, and capable of quickly responding to changing market demands.

esim technical

"advance collaboration in eSIM and international roaming, leveraging Rakuten Mobile’s"

An esim is a small, built-in electronic SIM card inside a phone, tablet or connected device that stores mobile network credentials digitally instead of using a removable plastic card. For investors it matters because it changes how carriers sell and manage subscriptions, lowers logistics costs for device makers, enables easier switching between networks or plans (including global roaming), and expands opportunities in Internet-of-Things connectivity and recurring revenue services.

iot technical

"cloud solutions and global IoT and mobile workforce connectivity."

The Internet of Things (IoT) describes a network of everyday devices—such as appliances, vehicles, and equipment—that are connected to the internet and can share data automatically. For investors, IoT represents a growing trend that can drive efficiency and innovation across many industries, potentially creating new opportunities for growth and value. Its expansion influences how companies operate and compete in a digitally connected world.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Tokyo, Tashkent and Barcelona , March 4, 2026 – VEON Ltd. (Nasdaq: VEON), a global digital operator, and Rakuten Group, Inc. today announce that Beeline Uzbekistan, VEON’s digital operator in Uzbekistan, and Rakuten Symphony, a subsidiary of Rakuten Group, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore strategic collaborations that support the development of Uzbekistan’s fast-growing digital economy, including on Open RAN development, AI-powered network intelligence and next-generation digital platforms.

The MoU, signed at the MWC Barcelona 2026, establishes a framework to explore collaboration on areas including network deployment, optimization and development, as well as digital services, leveraging Rakuten’s software stack and platform expertise.

Under this framework, the companies will assess opportunities to deepen collaboration across priority technology areas, including Open RAN architecture, the ways that AI can deliver more sophisticated network operations, next-generation digital platforms, cloud solutions and global IoT and mobile workforce connectivity. In addition, the two companies will advance collaboration in eSIM and international roaming, leveraging Rakuten Mobile’s AI-powered, cloud-native platform and its track record in delivering integrated eSIM services at scale.

Beeline Uzbekistan serves 7.7 million mobile subscribers and more than 9 million monthly active users with digital services. The partnership combines Beeline Uzbekistan’s strong market position and leadership in driving Uzbekistan’s digital growth, with Rakuten Symphony’s experience in cloud-native networks and open, automated architectures.

“We are pleased to continue our collaboration with VEON by expanding our partnership to Beeline Uzbekistan, which champions Uzbekistan’s digital growth with investments into network and digital services, supporting the national digital economy,” said Sharad Sriwastawa, President, Rakuten Symphony. “This partnership demonstrates both organizations’ commitment to advancing the national digital infrastructures with open, AI-ready software and connectivity solutions that will futureproof national telecom networks. We look forward to supporting Beeline Uzbekistan’s next steps in its digital journey.”

"Uzbekistan is on an ambitious path to becoming a digital economy leader in Central Asia, and we at Beeline Uzbekistan are committed to building the infrastructure and platforms that make this possible,” said Andrey Pyatakhin, CEO of Beeline Uzbekistan. “In collaboration with Rakuten Symphony, we will explore how cloud-native network architectures and AI-driven automation can accelerate our services and deliver better digital experiences for our customers. With this, we are building on the investments we have made in our Network Operations Center, our digital services ecosystem, and our new software company BuildX."

“We are excited to build the digital infrastructure and services that power Uzbekistan's economic growth and look forwarding to exploring collaborations with Rakuten across various areas,” said Kaan Terzioglu, VEON Group CEO, who joined the signing ceremony in Barcelona. “Extending our collaboration with Rakuten to Uzbekistan, following our Ukraine and Kazakhstan operations earlier, demonstrates the scalability of VEON’s approach in bringing cutting-edge technology partnerships to high-growth emerging markets that we proudly serve.”

Today’s announcement builds on the Rakuten-VEON partnership initially launched in 2023. Kyivstar Group and Beeline Kazakhstan, two other VEON Group Companies, are already partnering with Rakuten in Ukraine and Kazakhstan to explore collaboration on Open RAN and other digital cooperation opportunities.

About VEON
VEON is a digital operator that provides connectivity and digital services to nearly 150 million connectivity and 140 million digital users. Operating across five countries that are home to more than 6% of the world’s population, VEON is transforming lives through technology-driven services that empower individuals and drive economic growth. VEON is listed on NASDAQ. For more information, visit: https://www.veon.com. 

About Beeline Uzbekistan
Unitel LLC (doing business as “Beeline Uzbekistan”) has been operating as a digital operator under the Beeline Uzbekistan trademark since September 2006. Beeline Uzbekistan is a part of VEON Group and a Certified Top Employer in 2024, 2025 and 2026. Beeline Uzbekistan has more than 2,000 employees.

About Rakuten
Rakuten Group, Inc. (TSE: 4755) is a global technology leader in services that empower individuals, communities, businesses and society. Founded in Tokyo in 1997 as an online marketplace, Rakuten has expanded to offer services in e-commerce, fintech, digital content and communications to 2 billion members around the world. The Rakuten Group has around 30,000 employees, and operations in 30 countries and regions. For more information visit https://global.rakuten.com/corp/.

About Rakuten Symphony
Rakuten Symphony is changing supply chain norms and disrupting outmoded thinking that threatens the industry’s pursuit of rapid innovation and growth. Based on proven modern infrastructure practices, its open interface platforms make it possible to launch and operate advanced services in a fraction of the time and cost of conventional approaches, with no compromise to network quality or security. Rakuten Symphony has operations in Japan, the United States, Singapore, India, South Korea, Europe and the Middle East Africa region.  For more information about Rakuten Symphony's offerings, please visit: https://symphony.rakuten.com.

Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer
This release contains “forward-looking statements”, as the phrase is defined in U.S. securities laws. The forward-looking statements in this release, including those related to VEON’s and its subsidiaries’ Rakuten Symphony partnerships, involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results and performance to differ materially from those expressed by such statements. These risks include those relating to uncertainty over success of our strategic initiatives, among others discussed in our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on April 25, 2025. The forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date of this release and VEON disclaims any obligation to update them, except as required by U.S. federal securities laws.

Contact Information 
VEON
Hande Asik
Chief Strategy and Communications Officer
pr@veon.com

Attachment

• VEON’s Beeline Uzbekistan and Rakuten Symphony Partner for Open RAN, AI Collaboration

FAQ

What did VEON (VEON) announce about Beeline Uzbekistan and Rakuten Symphony on March 4, 2026?

They signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore Open RAN and AI-enabled network collaboration. According to VEON, the MoU frames joint assessment of deployment, optimization, cloud-native platforms, eSIM and international roaming to support Uzbekistan's digital economy.

How many subscribers does Beeline Uzbekistan serve and why does that matter for VEON (VEON)?

Beeline Uzbekistan serves 7.7 million mobile subscribers and over 9 million monthly active users. According to VEON, this scale gives a substantial user base for testing Open RAN, AI operations and new digital services in Uzbekistan's growing market.

What technology areas will VEON (VEON) and Rakuten Symphony evaluate under the MoU signed at MWC Barcelona 2026?

They will evaluate Open RAN architecture, AI-driven network operations, next-gen digital platforms, cloud solutions, eSIM and roaming. According to VEON, the collaboration emphasizes cloud-native, AI-ready software and automated architectures for telecom networks.

Does the VEON (VEON) announcement commit to immediate network deployments in Uzbekistan?

No immediate deployment was committed; the MoU establishes a framework to explore opportunities. According to VEON, companies will assess and potentially deepen collaboration across priority technology areas before any binding deployments.

How does the MoU with Rakuten Symphony fit VEON (VEON)'s regional strategy in 2026?

It extends prior Rakuten collaborations in Ukraine and Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan, showing a repeatable approach. According to VEON, this demonstrates scalability of technology partnerships for high-growth emerging markets the group serves.