Veon will redefine communication in Pakistan-Aniqa Afzal

VEON is an international communications and technology company driven by a vision to unlock new opportunities for customers as they navigate the digital world. Present in some of the world’s most dynamic markets, VEON provides more than 235 million customers with voice, fixed broadband, data and internet services. VEON’s heritage as a pioneer in technology is the driving force behind a major transformation focused on bringing the digital world to each and every customer.

Veon is a revolutionary global personal internet platform that puts the users in control of their traditional and digital communication needs

VEON offers services to customers in 13 markets including Pakistan. In Pakistan VEON Limited recently launched its personal internet platform ‘VEON’ that promises to redefine communication in Pakistan. Jazz, Pakistan’s leading Telecommunications company has become the first partner of VEON in Pakistan.

Launched last month, VEON is now the top free app on play store leaving Whatsapp and Facebook behind. Today we speak to the driving force behind VEON in Pakistan, Aniqa Afzal Sandhu (AA).

PW:  Tell us about yourself?

AA:  I joined Jazz in 2006 as Marketing Manager and in 2010 was asked by the management to establish and lead Mobile Financial Services. I feel proud of the fact that since then, Jazz Cash has become one of the largest MFS brands in the market. The objective is to completely digitalize the company which will possible by investing in new technologies and supplementing it with digital products and services. I feel immensely proud of the fact that my team has been the driving force behind the VEON launch in Pakistan.

VEON is an innovative internet platform that offers a truly connected experience that is truly free. VEON promises to completely redefine communication in Pakistan because it is a completely unique internet platform.

PW: Tell us about VEON?

AA: VEON is an internet platform that allows you to fulfill your communication needs through a single app. It is a revolutionary global personal internet platform that puts the users in control of their traditional and digital communication needs. VEON allows you to make calls, send messages, watch videos, read exciting stories, listen to music, avail offers and discounts on top brands in Pakistan. Jazz customers are able to access self-care within the platform completely free. Users can also avail integrated services in VEON.

VEON represents a new era, where people can depend on one true source, one reliable platform, a place to go as a first stop, a place to begin. And it is revolutionary since it puts the users in control of their traditional and digital communication needs using a platform that is completely free. Something of this scale is unparalleled in the history of telecommunications in Pakistan.

As the No. 1 Telecom operator with over 52 million subscribers Jazz has spared no efforts to redefine communication for our people

With VEON, we have undergone a paradigm shift in the way we work; from operating as a telecommunications partner to an agile internet company. With VEON’s launch in Pakistan with Jazz as its partner, I feel proud that we are leading the digital revolution in Pakistan and hope to do so in the years to come as well.

PW: How is Jazz leading the digital landscape of Pakistan? 

AA: The last few years have been phenomenal for the telecommunications sector of Pakistan that has enabled millions of Pakistanis to leverage the true potential of transformative technologies. Jazz has been at the forefront of revolutionizing the digital landscape of Pakistan. As the No. 1 Telecom operator with over 52 million subscribers Jazz has spared no efforts to redefine communication for our people by supporting an eco-system that enables information sharing, access to mobile financial services, revolutionizing agriculture through mobile technology and improved access to health care and education.

In addition, Jazz is also executing the government’s vision to develop a startup eco-system through the National Incubation Center (NIC), Islamabad. Our teams have ensured that we have a world class facility in place with a rigorous curriculum that the incubated startups have to undergo for successful graduation. We have inducted 40 startups in the first two cohorts of NIC and the first 20 are expected to graduate soon.

The advent of 3G and 4G technologies have led to an increasingly personalized technology experience, with the aid of mobile phones, tablets and computers

The vision is to ensure that Jazz can leverage its position as the largest and leading telecommunication company of the country to introduce innovation and inculcate an entrepreneurial spirit among young thinkers and global shapers. Most importantly, these startups have the Jazz advantage where they have access to more than 52 million customers, Jazz cash payment gateway, our wide-spread sales and distribution network and the knowledge and experience of our workforce. Our vision of digitalization is also being implemented within the company and we are constantly aspiring to tackle our challenges through digital innovation.

PW:  What role has the advent of 3G and 4G technology played to improve the technology experience of the user?                                                                                                    AA: The advent of 3G and 4G technologies have led to an increasingly personalized technology experience, with the aid of mobile phones, tablets Pakistanis computers. ICT has helped redefine the way we conduct our daily lives. Who could have imagined that with a single click, we could find answers to the most complex of problems, or make transactions to remote locations through Jazz Cash.

VEON caters the needs of Pakistanis to offer them a unique internet experience even if they don’t have balance

None of this would have possible without telecommunication services. I feel, as the largest telecom operator in Pakistan we have an immense opportunity and Jazz has lead from the front to ensure that our users have the best technology experience through 3G and 4G technology. We are now in the process of consolidating our network and in the coming months the users will be able to experience an even better network offering the fastest speeds.

PW:  How will VEON redefine communication in Pakistan?

AA: When we talk about redefining communications, we mean something out of the box, unconventional and extra-ordinary. Ideas so radical that not only will they completely transform the digital landscape but usher a new era of connectivity and communication. All of this may sound utopian but with VEON it has become a reality.

VEON caters to Pakistanis to offer them a unique internet experience even if they don’t have balance. This is an opportunity for the people of Pakistan to stay connected anytime, anywhere completely free. Individuals, businesses, startups and corporations all of them can benefit from the VEON experience however the idea is to not simply stop at calls and messages and that’s why VEON offers much more to its users.

In the future, digital services will be integrated within VEON to offer their services through the platform with the ambition of creating a truly connected experience that is truly free

VEON has the ability to transform lives, create global linkages and facilitate the adoption of new technology in Pakistan. It has the potential to drive ICT innovation and fill the digital void. It cuts through socio-economic disparities so all you need is a smartphone and you can experience VEON. Jazz shares the vision of the government to promote digital inclusion in Pakistan and VEON will play an integral role to enhance the digital economy of the country.

PW:  What is next for VEON?

AA: In the future, digital services will be integrated within VEON to offer its services through the platform with the ambition of creating a truly connected experience that is truly free. This can include e-commerce services, online transport solutions, music and much more.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) will also be integrated in the app for contextual and personalized user experience within the platform. This will provide a unique and tailored experience to each user of VEON.

VEON encapsulates freedom, and I think moving forward, VEON will be the front runner in offering disruptive and radical solutions to fulfil the communication needs of our users in one comprehensive internet platform.