Why It Matters
Netherlands-based VEON Ltd. filed a third-quarter lobbying disclosure covering emerging markets telecom, AI policy, digital finance, space-based communications, trusted vendor network frameworks, and U.S. investment and export issues. The filing puts VEON on record in D.C. as Congress and federal agencies weigh legislation on next-generation wireless standards, stablecoin regulation, and the security of global telecommunications supply chains, all of which directly affect a company whose operations span frontier and strategic markets.
By the Numbers
Ridgeline Advocacy Group LLC reported $140,000 in lobbying fees for VEON in the third quarter of 2026. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP reported $0 for the same period, and Throughline Advisory Group LLC reported $20,000, bringing VEON's combined third-quarter total to $160,000. That is up $10,000 from the second quarter of 2026.
The Ridgeline filing lists three lobbyists:
- Josh Hodges, partner, with prior congressional staff service on the Senate Judiciary Committee, the House Judiciary Committee, and the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
- John Steitz, founding partner, with prior staff service on the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee.
- Evan Blair, associate.
Broader Context
The House passed H.R. 2449, the FUTURE Networks Act, on April 28, 2025, directing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a 6G task force; the bill was then referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The House also passed H.R. 1795, the NETWORKS Act on the same date, sending it to the same Senate committee. A January 2025 National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) analysis found common priorities including AI-native networks and security, but divergent views on spectrum allocation, Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN), and the balance of government action versus market forces.
Rep. William Keating (D-MA) introduced H.R. 4506, the Securing Global Telecommunications Act, on July 17, 2025, which would require the State Department to develop a strategy promoting secure telecommunications infrastructure worldwide; the bill is before the House Foreign Affairs Committee. A Center for Strategic and International Studies analysis directed by James Andrew Lewis recommended objective assessments of telecom suppliers based on governance, ownership transparency, and cybersecurity, along with supplier diversity and risk mitigation.
The Bottom Line
VEON's combined third-quarter lobbying total was $160,000, with Ridgeline reporting $140,000 and Throughline $20,000, and a new lobbyist joined Throughline's team.
