Andrew Bonwick
Vice President of Product Development at Relm Insurance
Madhav Sheth
CEO of Ai+ Smartphone
Varun Kashyap & Sridevi Reddy
Co-Founders, Zithara.ai
Transforming Indian Offline Retail and Customer Engagement Using AI

VimpelCom has entered into a software partnership with Swedish telecom gear maker Ericsson in a deal worth more than $1 billion that will radically transform VimpelCom’s global IT infrastructure.

The partnership encompasses a complete overhaul of VimpelCom’s IT infrastructure across 11 countries and 12 time zones – on a scale that is the largest and most ambitious in the industry’s history. Under the deal, VimpelCom will digitalize and globalize its Business Support Systems (BSS) infrastructure using Ericsson’s new software and cloud technologies.
“This marks a fundamental milestone in our transformation as we move ahead with our strategy to turn VimpelCom into a true digital pioneer. The new Digital Stack will help us better respond to our customers while also centralizing and simplifying our business, creating lean and agile operations that will result in a more efficient cost structure across our global footprint,” Jean-Yves Charlier, Chief Executive Officer of VimpelCom, said.
The agreement reflects VimpelCom’s commitment to bringing the best services to its customers through innovative solutions and industry collaborations. The Digital Stack will accelerate product and service development, while the delivery and use of near real-time analytics, will allow greater personalization of services for customers. In addition, a simpler user interface will also enhance the customer experience on all levels.
As a result of the digital transformation, VimpelCom’s IT systems management will become smarter, simpler and more future-ready as the company prepares to unlock new digital services for customers that will be enabled by an advanced network, able to support future-proof features and services.
In addition to a significant reduction in operating costs[1], the improved technology structure will enable VimpelCom to fast-track its digital innovation strategy, particularly in the areas of mobile entertainment, communication, the Internet of Things (IoT), and mobile financial services (MFS). Along with a wider digital service offering, VimpelCom will have the ability to offer customers customized offers, a frictionless online service experience, and the speed and convenience of simplified and fully digital customer care.