Experience

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  Telkom sa

  Aug 2000 - May 2002

  Project description: Decommissioning/recovery of analogue microwave links for telephony and broadcastingProject motivation: Telkom’s network consists of a number of links with analogue microwave equipment. These have been installed in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s and have been used primarily for broadcasting (contribution and distribution) as well as for telephony. There was an urgent need for the decommissioning and recovery of these systems. The reason for this were• Inavailability of analogue microwave equipment spares/modules in the event of equipment failure (most of these are obsolete). Hence No technical support Not cost-effective to maintain• Need to migrate to digital architecture in keeping with current trends in technology.The majority of the analogue microwave links are used for broadcasting. As these links are still in service, a service migration plan needed to be drawn up and implemented before decommissioning and recovery of these links. The migration plan for current IF (analog) to ATM injection was initially considered. IF injection sites are used by broadcasters to “inject” their video signal from a venue (usually a sports venue) to a Telkom microwave high-site. From here their signal is routed to their studios using Telkom’s network. The broadcasters use an OB (outside broadcasts) van and a microwave link for this purpose. I had to liase with the NNOC (National Network Operating Centre) to obtain a list of the most frequently-used IF injection high sites. Thereafter I had to identify the closest ATM node (point of presence) for each site as well as the connectivity (fibre, SDH microwave, SDH, etc) between the high-site and the ATM node. This was obtained through the assistance of the various regions. The cost of the various ATM equipment and interfaces were obtained from the ATM engineering section. I had to work in conjunction with the costing section to cost the ATM injection solution for the business case. Show less

  • Engineer: Wireless Integration

    Mar 2001 - May 2002

  • Microwave planning engineer

    Aug 2000 - Feb 2001
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  Cell c

  Jun 2002 - Mar 2012

  As the RF Planning and Optimization Manager for Cell C’s Central region, I have lead and taken full accountability for the RF access network in the most prominent/flag-ship region within Cell C for just over 6 years. This role has encompassed both the technical and operational aspects of the network (RF/BSS planning and optimization, transmission planning, site acquisition, rollout). Furthermore, my role has included a support function to many areas of the business in order for Cell C to meet its targets/objectives. Since August 2010, my role (in addition to the GSM network) has been extended to include vendor management/co-ordination (in respect of UMTS rollout, UMTS KPI performance). My functions in this regard are the following:• RF plan evaluation – ensure vendor’s RF coverage/rollout plan is aligned to Cell C’s strategy (95% population coverage, Vodacom roaming reduction). * All network changes/proposals submitted by the vendor are understood and assessed (for its impact on both the 3G and 2G network) before being implemented. • Manage all aspects of engineering for Network Optimisation.• Ensure optimal use of Cell C radio network resources via appropriate use of available radio features or parameters within the region.• Implement company standard best practise optimisation methodology.• Manage timely resolution of customer complaints.• Ensure timely investigation and resolution of radio problems affecting network quality.• Evaluate and motivate for new optimisation tools in the market that will add value towards improving the network quality. Show less • BSS optimization: Monitoring of BSS performance statistics and troubleshooting thereof. Analysis of drive test traces (using TEMS Investigation) and ABIS traces (using Actix Analyzer) to identify problems. Involved in setup, documentation and trial of new features on network e.g.o Lowering of RXLEVAMIN to increase coverage boundarieso SDCCH HO feature as a means to improve network access by increasing time duration for a SDCCH allocationo TCH queuing feature – allows the assignment of a TCH when due to the unavailability of resources, no unused channel can be found within the serving cell. This is a solution to improve cell performance by relieving congestion and blocking thereby attaining subscriber satisfaction.o Highlevel support to regions on hardware/software related issues (Mapinfo, Actixs, TEMS, Planet, etc.) (licensing, upgrades, technical support).• Traffic management: Development of a mathematical algorithm to predict/forecast cell traffic on the network. Hence it is possible to foresee cells that require capacity (TRX and DUAMCO) upgrades prior to cell congestion/blocking. It is also used to predict CAPEX as a result of TRX and DUAMCO upgrades. This model is also used to predict spare capacity for CST, LCR and GPRS deployment.o Forecasting of BSC and TRAU capacity (to ascertain whether additional E1s and LTGs are required) o Generation of reports detailing traffic utilization on a per cell basis – identifying under-utilized and over-utilized cells (enables reparenting of TRXs from underutilized to overutilized cells)• BSS Masterplan: Development of the BSS masterplan detailing BSS utilization on a monthly basis (TRX, DUAMCO, E1, LTG, TRAU, BSC). Consequently, with this foresight it is possible to place equipment orders based on forecasted traffic. This masterplan is also used for budgetary purposes.• Budget scenario and feasibility study for projects (e.g. EDGE, Virgin mobile and CST)• Project management – EDGE rollout (BSS network) Show less

  • Manager - Planning and Optimization (Central region)

    Dec 2005 - Mar 2012

  • Senior Systems Engineer: BSS Design

    Jun 2002 - Nov 2005
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  Nokia

  Apr 2012 - Jun 2013

  Senior radio network and design consulting engineer (cell c account)

  Project: In Building Solution (IBS) for Cell CProject description: • IBS feasibility study for 112 locations (Cell C franchise stores, malls, universities, corporate buildings, hospitals, etc). • RF Planning and design solution proposal for some of the above as approved by the customer.• Project management and acceptance

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  Nokia

  Sept 2013 - now

  SRAN modernization project for 11 clusters in Vodacom West region (1st October 2018 to present). As regional team lead, I was responsible for ensuring NPO cluster signoff and acceptance post-swap:• Project co-ordination for various tasks between different project stakeholders (Vodacom NPO, Nokia GDC/local NPO team, Nokia NI and drive-testing team). • NPO scope involved refarming of L900 and removal of F3 U2100. Addition of L2100 and U900. Introduction of 4 x 4 MIMO for LTE and VAM for U2100. RF optimization for all technologies.• Weekly KPI performance reporting and presentation to Vodacom regional team Show less

  • Senior Radio and Network Design Consulting Engineer (Vodacom SA account)

    Oct 2018 - now

  • Senior Radio and Network Design Consulting Engineer (Vodacom SA account)

    Sept 2017 - Sept 2018

  • Senior Radio and network Design Consulting Engineer (Orange Cote d'Ivoire account)

    Sept 2017 - Sept 2017

  • Senior Radio Network and Design Consulting Engineer (Airtel account, Kenya)

    Jul 2017 - Aug 2017

  • Senior Radio Network and Design Consulting Engineer (Vodacom SA account)

    Apr 2017 - Jun 2017

  • Senior Radio Network and Design Consulting Engineer (Orange, Cameroon account)

    Aug 2016 - Mar 2017

  • Senior Radio Network and Design Consulting Engineer (Vodacom SA account)

    Sept 2013 - Aug 2016