VEON Ltd. (NASDAQ: VEON) is distinguishing itself as an innovative telecom operator by utilizing sovereign AI to boost profits. CEO Kaan Terzioglu shared in an exclusive interview that the company's digital transformation spanning a decade is evolving with locally developed AI models driving growth in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. Terzioglu emphasized VEON as more than a traditional telco, labeling it a digital services provider entwined with connectivity. AI serves as a foundational capability integrated across various sectors like fintech, education, healthcare, entertainment, and enterprise services. This strategic alignment is yielding positive results, with VEON's digital revenues climbing to $759 million.