VEON, Starlink Advance Satellite Calling in Central Asia Milestone
Beeline Kazakhstan completes first 'Direct to Cell' call using Starlink's network, a key step in a partnership aiming to connect 150 million users.
VEON Ltd. (NASDAQ: VEON) has achieved a significant milestone in its ambitious plan to extend mobile connectivity to the most remote regions of its operating markets. The global digital operator announced Monday that its subsidiary, Beeline Kazakhstan, successfully conducted Central Asia's first 'Direct to Cell' voice call using Starlink's satellite network.
This demonstration marks a critical step in a partnership that aims to bring satellite-enabled communication to a potential market of over 150 million customers across VEON's footprint. Shares of VEON traded around $51.14 on the news, as investors weighed the long-term implications of the company's push into satellite-to-phone technology.
The successful test in Kazakhstan, a country where vast geography makes universal mobile coverage a significant challenge, showcases the potential of using low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide service directly to standard mobile phones. This leapfrogs the need for traditional, and often prohibitively expensive, terrestrial cell towers.
The initiative is a cornerstone of VEON's broader strategy to cement its role as a forward-looking digital operator in emerging markets. According to the company's most recent earnings report, which saw it raise its full-year outlook, VEON is experiencing robust growth driven by its digital services. The company posted a 7.5% year-over-year increase in quarterly revenue, with digital revenues surging over 63%.
The partnership with Starlink, formally announced in November 2025, is designed to integrate this satellite connectivity for voice, data, and messaging services. According to the press release, the technology will be rolled out progressively, with commercial services expected in the near future. The initial launch is slated for Ukraine via VEON's Kyivstar subsidiary, followed by the newly-tested service in Kazakhstan.
VEON's market capitalization stands at approximately $3.95 billion, and the company's focus on high-growth digital services has drawn positive notice from analysts. The current consensus rating is a 'Buy' with an average price target of $69.68, suggesting Wall Street sees significant upside from its current trading level. The company's strategy involves what it calls "AI1440," an initiative aimed at integrating artificial intelligence and digital services into every minute of a user's day, a vision for which universal connectivity is paramount.
While this satellite partnership is a key enabler, it is non-exclusive, allowing VEON to potentially collaborate with other technology providers as the satellite-to-phone market matures. The move is seen as a direct challenge to the digital divide, offering a path to modern digital services—including mobile money, education, and healthcare—for populations that have been persistently underserved.
As VEON moves towards a commercial launch, investors will be watching closely for details on pricing, regulatory approvals, and the pace of customer adoption. The successful call in Kazakhstan serves as a powerful proof-of-concept, validating the technical feasibility and bringing VEON one step closer to transforming the connectivity landscape across Central and South Asia.