Hardware

VEON Group, OneWeb partner to extend connectivity in emerging markets

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March 3, 2023

Veon Ltd., a global digital operator and provider of connectivity services also known as Veon Group, has announced its partnership with OneWeb, a low-Earth orbit satellite communications company, to extend mobile internet connectivity and digital services in emerging markets.

Veon Group's subsidiaries provide connectivity services to over 510 million residents in regions that include low density population areas and emerging markets, which is part of Veon's "4G for all" initiative, which has aimed over the past two years to expand global access to 4G, foster economic growth (which benefits dependent industries, such as several categories and use cases within digital signage and kiosks), and aid in disaster response. Recent examples covered by Digital Signage Today include Beeline's metro 4G coverage in Uzbekistan and Bangalink's 4G work in Bangladesh.

"We have always stated that our focus is '4G for all' and that mobile communication is an essential service," Kaan Terzioglu, CEO at Veon Group, said in the release. "Our partnership with OneWeb enables us to ensure that the continuity of this essential service can be secured everywhere, providing access to seamless connectivity and digital services, supporting resilience and enabling growth. We are excited to explore the possibilities this partnership will bring, from emergency connectivity in disaster response to enabling economic activity in remote regions, and to serving rural areas with mobile education, healthcare and financial services, complementing terrestrial connectivity."

OneWeb aims to provide high-speed, low latency connectivity via its fleet of low earth orbit satellites. 544 satellites are now in orbit, representing 80% of the planned network, which is predicted to be completed in 2023 and to offer global coverage, along with allowing operators to expand 3G, 4G, LTE and 5G networks.

"OneWeb and Veon have a shared mission: to expand reliable, affordable and high-speed connectivity services to the places that need it most," Neil Masterson, CEO at OneWeb, said in the release. "With this partnership we can support the development of telecoms and digital infrastructure in emerging markets, working with Veon to ensure the essential roll-out of mobile connectivity. We look forward to capitalizing on the potential that this partnership has for the customers and communities we serve, while ensuring that OneWeb remains the partner of choice for telco operators globally."