VEON’s Beeline Brings 4G Connectivity to Tashkent Metro

Rhea-AI Summary

Amsterdam, Netherlands, 21 February 2023 – VEON Ltd. (NASDAQ: VEON, Euronext Amsterdam: VEON) announces the launch of 4G mobile connectivity for the Tashkent metro in Uzbekistan via its digital operator Beeline. The coverage spans all 31 underground stations, enhancing access for approximately 620,000 daily riders. In 2022, Tashkent metro recorded 220 million passenger journeys. Beeline's initiative forms part of its '4G for all' strategy, increasing 4G base stations by 2,300, which boosted 4G population coverage by 16%. This development advances Uzbekistan's digital infrastructure and positions Tashkent as a Central Asian IT hub.

Positive

• Launch of 4G connectivity in Tashkent metro enhances customer access to services.
• Increased 4G base stations by 2,300 in 2022, improving coverage.
• Strategic investment aligns with '4G for all' initiative, boosting digital infrastructure.

Negative

• None.

Amsterdam, Netherlands, 21 February 2023 07:00 CET – VEON Ltd. (NASDAQ: VEON, Euronext Amsterdam: VEON), a global digital operator that provides converged connectivity and online services, today announces that Beeline, its digital operator in Uzbekistan, has launched mobile connectivity across the metro service of the capital city Tashkent.

The new Beeline Uzbekistan coverage will provide 4G connectivity at all 31 underground stations on the four lines of the metro service. In 2022, the Tashkent metro enabled 220 million passenger journeys, or a daily average of approximately 620,000 riders.

“While cities like London and New York are still struggling to provide mobile connectivity across their Underground and Subway stations, we are proud to be delivering digital communication and services to the Tashkent metro,” states Kaan Terzioglu, CEO of VEON Group. “We are pioneering the digital operator model where we support our customers with connectivity and services for all of the one thousand four hundred and forty minutes that constitutes each day. For the people of Tashkent that now includes the time they spend in transit in the city’s metro.”

Expansion of 4G coverage to the Tashkent metro is part of Beeline Uzbekistan’s ‘4G for all’ strategy, which saw the roll out some 2,300 4G base stations, and a 16-percentagepoint increase in the operator’s 4G population coverage in 2022. The 4G connectivity will enable Beeline Uzbekistan customers to access the full range of services provided by the digital operator including Beeline’s entertainment and financial services.

“Our customers can now access messages, call friends and family, listen to music and podcasts, and even watch their favourite TV shows in high resolution at all stations of the Tashkent metro,” explains Andrzej Malinowski, CEO of Beeline Uzbekistan. “Through this investment we are building the technology infrastructure of Uzbekistan and the status of Tashkent as an IT hub for the Central Asian region, while also advancing the city and country as a major tourist destination.”

The Beeline Uzbekistan network for the Tashkent Metro was developed using the UZTELECOM infrastructure based on the MORAN (Multi Operator RAN) active equipment sharing technology.

About VEON
VEON is a global digital operator that currently provides converged connectivity and online services to over 200 million customers in seven dynamic markets. We are transforming people’s lives, empowering individuals, creating opportunities for greater digital inclusion and driving economic growth across countries that are home to more than 8% of the world’s population. Headquartered in Amsterdam, VEON is listed on NASDAQ and Euronext. For more information visit: https://www.veon.com

Disclaimer
This release contains “forward-looking statements,” as the phrase is defined in Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and include statements relating to, among other things, the closing of the transactions described above. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which VEON cannot predict with accuracy and some of which VEON might not even anticipate. The forward-looking statements contained in this release speak only as of the date of this release. VEON does not undertake to publicly update, except as required by U.S. federal securities laws, any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after such dates or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. There can be no assurance that the transactions referred to above will be successfully completed or that requisite approvals for these transactions will be received. Elements of this press release contain or may contain “inside information” as defined under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014.

Contact Information
VEON
Group Director Investor Relations
Nik Kershaw
ir@veon.com

Group Communication Senior Manager
Anna Ivanova-Galitsina
pr@veon.com

TUVA Partners
Managing Partner
Julian Tanner
Julian.tanner@tuvapartners.com

FAQ

What is the significance of VEON's launch of 4G in Tashkent metro?

The 4G launch enhances mobile connectivity for approximately 620,000 daily riders, improving access to digital services.

What does VEON's '4G for all' strategy entail?

It includes the rollout of 2,300 4G base stations, increasing 4G coverage by 16%.

How many passengers used the Tashkent metro in 2022?

The Tashkent metro facilitated 220 million passenger journeys in 2022.

Which technology supports the new connectivity in Tashkent metro?

The network utilizes UZTELECOM infrastructure based on MORAN technology for active equipment sharing.

How does the 4G launch impact Tashkent's status as an IT hub?

It builds digital infrastructure, positioning Tashkent as a Central Asian IT hub and enhancing its attractiveness for tourism.