Company Description
VEON Ltd. (Nasdaq: VEON) is a United Arab Emirates-based digital operator that focuses on wireless telecommunications and related digital services. According to available information, VEON provides mobile and fixed-line telecommunications services using traditional and broadband mobile technologies, and is classified in the wireless telecommunications carriers (except satellite) industry within the information sector. The company is listed on Nasdaq and has been transferred to the Nasdaq Global Select Market, which is Nasdaq’s highest listing tier.
VEON describes itself as a digital operator that provides converged connectivity and digital services to nearly 150 million connectivity customers and over 140 million digital users. It operates across five countries that together are home to more than 6% of the world’s population. The company states that it aims to transform lives through technology-driven services that empower individuals and support economic growth.
Business model and geographic segments
According to the company’s description, VEON offers mobile and fixed-line telecommunications services through a range of traditional and broadband mobile technologies. Its reportable segments include Pakistan, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, and Uzbekistan. The company has indicated in prior descriptions that it generates a significant portion of its revenue from Pakistan.
VEON delivers its connectivity and digital services through local operating companies and brands in its core markets. These include Jazz and Mobilink Microfinance Bank in Pakistan, Kyivstar in Ukraine, Beeline in Kazakhstan, Banglalink in Bangladesh, and Beepul in Uzbekistan, as referenced in company news and disclosures. Through these brands, VEON combines telecommunications services with a growing range of digital offerings.
Digital operator strategy and services
VEON repeatedly refers to its “digital operator” strategy in its public communications. In Kazakhstan, for example, Beeline Kazakhstan has been executing a digital operator strategy since 2018 and has developed an ecosystem of internal and external digital products. Across its markets, VEON highlights converged connectivity and digital services, which include mobile and fixed-line voice and data, as well as a variety of digital services offered by its operating companies.
In Ukraine, Kyivstar Group, a VEON Group company, provides connectivity and digital services that span mobile and fixed-line voice and data, ride-hailing, e-health, digital TV, and enterprise solutions such as Big Data, cloud, and cybersecurity. In Pakistan, VEON supports digital financial services through JazzCash and Mobilink Microfinance Bank, which is described as a leading digital microfinance institution. In Uzbekistan, VEON refers to Beepul as part of its digital financial services footprint, and in Kazakhstan it references Simply for digital financial services.
Connectivity innovation and satellite partnerships
VEON’s news releases emphasize its work on next-generation connectivity. In Ukraine, Kyivstar, a VEON Group company, has launched Starlink Direct to Cell satellite connectivity services, enabling satellite-based SMS messaging for millions of subscribers using standard 4G smartphones on the Kyivstar network. The company reports that this service has been particularly important in Ukraine’s southern and eastern regions and has been widely used in cities such as Kyiv, Lviv, Vinnytsia, Khmelnytskyi, and Dnipro.
In Kazakhstan, Beeline Kazakhstan, VEON’s digital operator in that country, has conducted field tests of Starlink Direct to Cell services. During these tests, voice calls and messages were successfully transmitted via Starlink Direct to Cell satellites using standard 4G smartphones and Beeline Kazakhstan SIM cards. VEON presents these developments as part of its broader mission to integrate satellite and terrestrial mobile connectivity to enhance coverage and resilience in remote or sparsely populated areas.
5G, network modernization and energy resilience
VEON also highlights investments in advanced mobile technologies and network modernization. In Ukraine, Kyivstar has launched a 5G test zone in the historical center of Lviv as its first local 5G pilot project, implemented in coordination with the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine. The pilot is intended to evaluate 5G network performance in real-world urban conditions, while Kyivstar continues to focus on its “4G Everywhere” target and network modernization, with peak 4G speeds reported to exceed 1 Gbps in some areas during off-peak hours.
Energy resilience is another theme in VEON’s communications. Kyivstar has acquired a solar power company, adding solar generation capacity as part of its energy resilience investments. Electricity generated by this solar facility is supplied to Ukraine’s national grid under applicable market and regulatory frameworks. VEON and Kyivstar describe this investment as contributing to Ukraine’s energy resilience while supporting Kyivstar’s operational and financial foundations and improving its overall carbon footprint.
Digital financial services and financial inclusion
VEON reports that it delivers digital financial services at scale in several of its markets. In Pakistan, this is done through JazzCash and Mobilink Microfinance Bank, which provides digital and branch-based banking services and has launched Islamic banking operations after receiving an Islamic banking license from the State Bank of Pakistan. The bank’s Islamic banking portfolio is intended to offer Shariah-compliant deposit and financing products for individuals, micro-entrepreneurs, and small businesses.
In Bangladesh, Banglalink, VEON’s digital operator, has received permission from Bangladesh Bank to operate as a payment service provider. This allows Banglalink to offer regulated money transfer and payment services, including person-to-person transfers, remittances, bill payments, merchant and e-commerce transactions, and salary and disbursement services. VEON positions these initiatives as part of its effort to support financial inclusion and the transition toward more digital and cashless economies in its operating markets.
Capital markets profile and corporate structure
VEON is listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol VEON. The company has announced that its American Depositary Shares have been transferred from the Nasdaq Capital Market to the Nasdaq Global Select Market. VEON has also reported inclusion in the S&P Global Broad Market Index and the MSCI Ukraine Index, which it describes as enhancing its visibility and accessibility among global institutional investors.
In addition, VEON has been involved in a business combination transaction related to Kyivstar Group Ltd., which has become a Nasdaq-listed holding company operating JSC Kyivstar. Kyivstar Group is described as Ukraine’s leading digital operator and the first Ukrainian company to have its shares traded on a U.S. stock exchange. VEON’s SEC filings reference this business combination and related investor materials.
Regulatory reporting and governance
As a foreign private issuer, VEON files reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 20-F and furnishes current reports on Form 6-K. Recent 6-K filings have included unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements, press releases, presentation materials, and supplemental factbooks. These filings provide investors with updates on VEON’s financial performance, strategic developments, and capital markets activities.
FAQs about VEON Ltd.
- What does VEON Ltd. do?
VEON Ltd. is described as a digital operator that provides converged connectivity and digital services. It offers mobile and fixed-line telecommunications services using traditional and broadband mobile technologies and supports a range of digital services through its operating companies in Pakistan, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, and Uzbekistan. - Where does VEON operate?
According to company information, VEON operates across five countries: Pakistan, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, and Uzbekistan. These markets together are home to more than 6% of the world’s population. - On which exchange is VEON stock listed?
VEON’s American Depositary Shares are listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol VEON. The company has announced that its listing was transferred to the Nasdaq Global Select Market. - What brands are associated with VEON?
VEON’s services are delivered through brands and operating companies that include Jazz and Mobilink Microfinance Bank in Pakistan, Kyivstar in Ukraine, Beeline in Kazakhstan, Banglalink in Bangladesh, and Beepul in Uzbekistan, as referenced in company news. - What is VEON’s digital operator strategy?
VEON describes its strategy as that of a digital operator, combining connectivity with digital services. For example, Beeline Kazakhstan has been executing a digital operator strategy and has created an ecosystem of digital products, while Kyivstar, Banglalink, and other operating companies offer various digital and financial services alongside connectivity. - How is VEON involved in satellite connectivity?
VEON’s operating companies Kyivstar in Ukraine and Beeline Kazakhstan in Kazakhstan have worked with Starlink Direct to Cell satellite services. Kyivstar has launched Starlink Direct to Cell satellite connectivity for SMS, and Beeline Kazakhstan has tested voice and messaging over Starlink Direct to Cell using standard smartphones. - Does VEON offer digital financial services?
Yes. VEON reports that it delivers digital financial services through JazzCash and Mobilink Microfinance Bank in Pakistan, Simply in Kazakhstan, and Beepul in Uzbekistan. Banglalink in Bangladesh has received regulatory approval to operate as a payment service provider for digital payment services. - What is Kyivstar Group’s relationship to VEON?
Kyivstar Group Ltd. is described as a Nasdaq-listed holding company that operates JSC Kyivstar, Ukraine’s leading digital operator. It is referred to as a VEON Group company in VEON’s news releases, and VEON’s SEC filings discuss a business combination involving Kyivstar Group. - How does VEON address energy resilience?
In Ukraine, Kyivstar, a VEON Group company, has acquired a solar power company to add solar generation capacity as part of its energy resilience investments. This facility supplies electricity to Ukraine’s national grid and is intended to support Kyivstar’s operational stability and carbon footprint. - What regulatory reports does VEON file?
VEON files an annual report on Form 20-F and furnishes current reports on Form 6-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Recent 6-K filings have included financial statements, press releases, presentations, and factbooks related to its operations and capital markets activities.