Rakuten Group, Inc. and VEON Ltd., a global digital operator, 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) to explore strategic collaboration on next-generation connectivity, digital services and cloud-native network infrastructure.
The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation focused on the evolution of modern, software-driven telecom networks and scalable digital platforms. Under this framework, the parties will assess opportunities to deepen collaboration across priority technology areas, including Open RAN architectures, AI-powered network intelligence, next-generation digital platforms, cloud solutions, and global IoT and mobile workforce connectivity.
By combining Beeline Kazakhstan’s strong market position and expanding digital ecosystem with Rakuten Symphony’s experience in cloud-native networks and open, automated architectures, the collaboration aims to support the long-term modernization of connectivity infrastructure and the development of advanced digital services in Kazakhstan.
“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,” said Sharad Sriwastawa, President of Rakuten Symphony. “Today’s announcement underscores our shared commitment to driving the future of telecom with open, cloud-native architectures. By combining our expertise in Open RAN, AI-powered automation, and digital platforms with Beeline Kazakhstan’s local expertise, we aim to deliver innovation and enhanced digital experiences for the region.”
“Our networks and business models are undergoing a profound transformation driven by cloud, automation and artificial intelligence,” said Evgeniy Nastradin, CEO of Beeline Kazakhstan. “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.”
“Beeline Kazakhstan has consistently demonstrated its leadership in translating advanced technologies into meaningful digital services for the people of Kazakhstan and the broader region,” said Kaan Terzioglu, VEON Group CEO. “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. We are delighted to expand our collaboration with Rakuten to a second VEON Group company following Kyivstar in Ukraine. ”
Kyivstar Group, another VEON Group Company, is already partnering with Rakuten Symphony in Ukraine to explore Open RAN collaboration.
