In the rapidly evolving world of telecommunications, VEON is emerging as a trailblazer, utilising artificial intelligence (AI) not only for internal efficiencies but also to develop customer-facing services that create a tangible, real-world impact in underserved markets.
At a roundtable held in London, Lasha Tabidze, Chief Digital Operations Officer at VEON, led a discussion attended by key technology and telecom journalists from Mobile World Live, Light Reading, Developing Telecoms, Mobile Europe, Total Telecom, and Digital Frontier. Tabidze explained how VEON is going beyond the traditional telco use of AI for operational cost savings and instead developing customer-facing AI-powered digital services designed to support education, healthcare, and financial inclusion.
VEON is addressing the unique challenges faced by emerging markets. These services are not just about connectivity, but about creating meaningful and accessible tools that drive progress in everyday life.
MHP Group worked with VEON to build a narrative around Augmented Intelligence rather than Artificial Intelligence. With digital inclusion at the heart of this story, Tabidze briefed attending media on how AI can support wider access to essential services, regardless of the language spoken or the resources available.
During the session, VEON showcased standout AI-powered initiatives, including the development of a large language model for Kazakh, known as KazLLM. This is a foundational model trained on Kazakh-specific data, built through a partnership with the Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence at Kazakhstan’s Nazarbayev University (ISSAI NU), Beeline Kazakhstan, the Astana Hub and VEON’s QazCode.
While global models, such as those from OpenAI and xAI, support a wide range of languages, VEON’s approach is built around creating tools that are better aligned with local needs. With access to region-specific digital content and the ability to integrate with national curricula and real-life requirements, VEON’s models are trained for higher relevance and utility in their respective markets.
“This model is already outperforming global AI tools like ChatGPT in the Kazakh language, offering 40% greater accuracy in its responses,” stated VEON’s Chief Digital Operations Officer. VEON plans to launch similar GenAI LLMs in other local languages across its markets.
With a strong vision, clear evidence of technology impact and a compelling speaker, VEON delivered a clear message: “AI can either narrow the digital divide or widen it. It is our responsibility to ensure that it does the former.”
