BTS Rollout, Deployment, Quality Assurance and Project Management
Resume Keywords:
BTS Rollout, Deployment, Quality Assurance and Project management
Contact Information
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Objective
To obtain a challenging and demanding job in the rollout of GSM networks across the world that will further enhance my knowledge and skills.
To have the opportunity to apply the knowledge that I have gained in the more than 20 years that I have been working in the telecommunications field.
Employment in a management position that requires strong communications, supervisory and goal orientated challenges.
Summary
Solid understanding of GSM base station implementation and maintenance processes.
To ensure network Base Station expansion is carried out to schedule.
To oversee the site build process from the initial planning to commissioning and integration into the network.
To ensure that site upgrades are completed and integrated into the network per schedule.
To ensure that all sites are build according to the specification of the day.
To survey and design the layout of all new sites in conjunction with optimisation and planning requirements.
To evaluate quotations for site build after survey has been conducted.
To ensure that regular site inspections are made during the construction process to ensure that site build conforms to the prevailing specification.
To ensure that all planned network expansions take place on schedule, i.e. Transceiver upgrades and downgrades.
To ensure that all planned upgrades and sectorizations are completed to schedule.
To halt any activities which in any way may jeopardize the integrity of the network, not conform to the specification or fail to meet safety requirements.
Ensuring that staff competencies meet the convergent technological challenges of the future.
Ensure materials and resources are available for emergency maintenance and planned upgrade work and that the tasks are performed timeously.
Ensure that site inspections take place to see that "BTS and Field Maintenance" is performed at a high standard and according to the specification and contract respectively.
Ensure objectives set by management are achieved within the measured period.
Be fully aware and write/update Radio O & M and Implementation procedures and guidelines where applicable.
To project manage and supervise contractors ensuring due dates and quality are strictly adhered to.
Keep staff motivated and enhance team spirit.
Personal
I have been involved with GSM start-ups on three occasions namely that of MTN Nigeria, MTN Irancell and ZAIN Ghana. My expertise lies in civil works and Base Station site builds. I have experience in the set-up and building of green field, rooftop and co-location installations. I have written procedures and processes for site builds and the acceptance for such sites. I have managed numerous staff and sub contractors on different projects.
I have 15 years experience in transmission equipment installations and maintenance, this includes PDH, SDH, Radio and Microwave equipments.
I am familiar with Ericsson RBS equipment maintenance and implementation.
During my stint in Iran working for MTN Irancell on a full turnkey project I have been exposed to Nokia and Huawei site build methods.
Although I prefer working on implementation of network elements and thrive on start-ups of new networks, I am also capable of maintaining a network by introducing preventative maintenance plans and identifying problem areas.
I believe in knowledge sharing and at all times train and share the knowledge that I have gained with my sub ordinates. I obtain high results and take a lot of pride in the job that I need to do.
Employer:
MTN Irancell
Job Title:
Regional Manager: Rollout QA and SHE
Start Month/Year:
06/2006
End Month/Year:
02/2008
City:
Tabriz
Country:
Iran
Description:
In Mashhad I was acting as a switch site project manager and also needed to push the vendor to complete the BTS site builds needed for the launch. I was able to have the switch completed and 22 sites on air by 30 August 2006. I was involved with arranging temporary tower solutions at our switch sites in Tabriz and Mashhad before our permanent structures were in place and also setting up temporary regional offices in all 4 the regions. I have been involved with the approval of fence design and th
Employer:
MTN
Job Title:
Supervisor: Radio and Implementation Engineer
Start Month/Year:
04/2003
End Month/Year:
05/2006
City:
Upington
Country:
South Africa
Description:
My primary responsibilities included overseeing the availability and expansion of the network in the Upington region which streched over 145 000 square kilometers. I am fully conversant with the various types of RBS equipment which included troubleshooting, faultfinding, link analysis, RF functionality, power equipment etc. I have an understanding of the various packages used to monitor and improve network quality and performance. I needed to ensure that equipment was available for maintenance and planned upgrades and that these tasks were performed timeously. I had to ensure that a routine program was in place to ensure BTS site maintenance. Site inspections were conducted to ensure that "BTS and Field Maintenance" is performed at a high standard and according to specification and contract respectively. Ensure that objectives set by management are met within a measured period. Submit reports to designated management as per requirements. To be fully aware and write/update Radio O & M and Implementation procedures and guidelines where applicable. Ensuring that all staffs are applying procedures in their day-to-day activities. Maintain a good working relationship within the network operations and all internal and external clients. Ensure all administrative documentation and databases are completed or updated accurately and timeously. Ensure Policies and Procedures are adhered to through ISO 9001, ISO 14000 & QMS. To liaise and assist the dealers and service providers and interface with Marketing and Sales in the areas of responsibility.
Employer:
MTN
Job Title:
Regional Implementation Manager
Start Month/Year:
01/2003
End Month/Year:
04/2003
City:
Asaba
Country:
Nigeria
Description:
I was responsible for establishing and setting up a regional office in Asaba. I secured a building which would serve as temporary regional offices while the permanent building was been constructed. I set up LAN intranet connectivity, arranged for furniture, telephone lines, security and transport. I recruited and employed staff, purchased tools, test equipment, laptop computers and other essentials. I needed to mobilize the two project management companies to Asaba as they were operating from Port Harcourt and had no representation in the region. Regular meetings were set up and a spreadsheet compiled of all projects been taken care of by Plessey and ADC in order for me to start tracking their progress. Site surveys were conducted, quotes submitted and after evaluating commissioned to build. A total of 86 projects were been taken care of and at the end of my 3 month tenure a total of 47 sites were integrated. On the job training was provided and staffs were also send for formal training. I personally supervised the build of our switch site which was unfortunately not completed before I left. Weekly training sessions with Plessey, ADC and their sub contractors were held where aspects of the specification was discussed.
Employer:
MTN
Job Title:
Implementation Engineer
Start Month/Year:
10/2002
End Month/Year:
12/2002
City:
Lagos and Abuja
Country:
Nigeria
Description:
My main responsibility as an Implementation Engineer was the integration of sites to the MTN Nigeria network, Transceiver upgrades and site acceptance from the project management companies. I was also responsible in ensuring that the Nigerian staff received on the job training and mentoring. I was responsible for the commissioning and integration of BTS sites along the Abuja - Kano express way and also the sites in Kano. I spent a week in Kano preparing sites for integration and all sites were then activated on the same day. In total 23 sites came on air.
Employer:
MTN
Job Title:
One Man Band Radio Engineer
Start Month/Year:
12/1999
End Month/Year:
09/2002
City:
Upington
Country:
South Africa
Description:
I started my career with MTN as a second radio engineer in Kimberley. I worked here until April 2000 after which it was decided to divide the Northern Cape into two areas of responsibility. A second office was to be set up in Upington and this was made my responsibility. I set up the office with all that was required, i.e. internet connectivity, fax line, store room and furnishing. I worked on my own and only in February 2002 a second person was appointed to assist with the task at hand. As an OMB I was responsible for maintenance and implementation. My area of responsibility stretched over 145 000 square kilometers and I was traveling in excess of 15 000 kilometers per month. I am familiar with the Ericsson RBS 200, 2102, 2202, 2302, 2106 and 2206 systems. I also have knowledge of Allgon, ADC and Mikom cell enhancers, all other equipment associated with a BTS site, i.e. transmission, power, air conditioning, alarm systems, etc. I am also familiar with sites powered by solar energy. I have had many challenging site builds where no access roads existed and the use of helicopters were necessary.
Employer:
Telkom SA
Job Title:
Transmission Specialist
Start Month/Year:
04/1997
End Month/Year:
11/2002
City:
Upington
Country:
South Africa
Description:
I was promoted to this position on 1 April 1997. As the transmission specialist in the Upington area it was my main responsibility to solve complex faults on all equipment associated with transmission be it analogue, digital, radio or microwave. I was responsible for the upkeep of the transmission network and planned the day tasks of 7 sub ordinates according to there skills and abilities. I needed to ensure that all test equipment was calibrated and functioning properly. The availability of spare parts was also my responsibility. Many analogue equipment was repaired in Upington and I needed to ensure that staff was capable of doing this. All new equipment installations were coordinated by me. I needed to be innovative and come up with solutions to solve complex faults when no equipment or spares were available. I managed to attenuate an optic signal by using a cutting of antistatic packaging material to replace a faulty optical attenuator. I connected transistor type channel panels to an old valve system for which parts were not available to repair faulty units. The inspection of new transmission and radio equipment and the acceptance thereof before been handed to the maintenance team. Ensuring that all new 2 M/bit links are provided according to the planning schedule and that link records are maintained.
My main function was the responsibility of the panel repair shop where faulty transmission equipment was repaired, this was equipment that was swapped-out in the field when repairing faults. I was also tasked with the maintenance of transmission, radio and microwave equipment in the Kakamas area; this included various analogue as well as digital transmission systems and numerous telematic services i.e. data and telex. I was tasked to help with the automation of Kakamas in 1993 where I helped with the installation of telephones and other client systems which included HTS4, DPS, BTS80 and pay phones. I was also responsible for the cut over of equipment from the old to the new transmission rooms.
Employer:
Department of Posts and Telecommunications
Job Title:
Senior Telecom Electrician
Start Month/Year:
01/1989
End Month/Year:
09/1991
City:
Prieska
Country:
South Africa
Description:
Not Specified
Employer:
Department of Posts and Telecommunications
Job Title:
Telecom Electrician
Start Month/Year:
01/1988
End Month/Year:
12/1988
City:
Prieska
Country:
South Africa
Description:
Prieska was a manual exchange and as a second year apprentice was presented with the tasks associated with the cut-over to the auto exchange. This involved the installation of new improved transmission systems and the physical diversion of circuits. Further I was responsible for the maintenance of transmission equipment at Prieska, Niekerkshoop and Copperton. Maintenance was also done on all other equipment associated with transmission including data and telex services.
Employer:
Department of Posts and Telecommunications
Job Title:
Telecom Trainee
Start Month/Year:
01/1985
End Month/Year:
12/1987
City:
Kimberley
Country:
South Africa
Description:
Not Specified
Employer:
MTN Irancell
Job Title:
National Manager: Rollout QA and SHE
Start Month/Year:
03/2008
End Month/Year:
06/2008
City:
Tehran
Country:
Iran
Description:
Promoted to this position my responsibility shifted from regional to national and included QA of the project rollout, i.e. Core installations, access (BTS) site installations, maintenance, managed services, safety, health and environmental aspects.
Employer:
Zain Ghana
Job Title:
Quality Assurance: Head of Section
Start Month/Year:
07/2008
End Month/Year:
09/2009
City:
Accra
Country:
Ghana
Description:
I needed to use my own discretion where procedures did not apply. I took ownership and ensured that national procedures and specifications were in place for rollout standards. I needed to make judgment calls that saved time and money. I was accountable for all technical evaluations/decisions concerning product and installations quality. Approval of equipment and products intended to be implemented within the boundaries of the procurement policy and said specifications. Managed all staff national
Employer:
Penta Consulting
Job Title:
Project Manager
Start Month/Year:
03/2010
End Month/Year:
05/2010
City:
Cape Town
Country:
South Africa
Description:
Cell-C/ZTE 3g swap project.
• Managed the overall delivery of 2G/3G telecommunication engineering project.
• Was responsible for the project objective and SOW.
• Developed the project delivery plan and budget.
• Was responsible for project deviation control on progress, quality and cost.
• Established and maintained routine communication with the customer.
• Managed customer relationship and requirements.
• Was responsible for customer satisfaction.
• Identified and managed project risks & problems.
• Was responsible for solutions effective and efficiently.
• Facilitated project acceptance and payment.
• Managed master contract and sub contract.
• Was responsible for change & variation control.
• Reported project status regularly.
Employer:
Eaton Telecom
Job Title:
Technical Advisor
Start Month/Year:
05/2010
End Month/Year:
Current
City:
Kinshasa
Country:
Democratic Republic of the Congo (Zaire)
Description:
Conducted Preliminary Technical Due Diligence on a mobile operator's network and am currently the acting CTO for DRC.
• Work with the operator to identify sites for joint survey.
• Organize teams, visit sites and build a “Site Database”.
• Check site documentation and approvals w.r.t. Environmental Impact approvals, NCAA approvals, As Build documentation, Lease Agreements, Local Government approvals, State Government approvals, Ministry of Power and Mines approvals.
• Check all certifications w.r.t. Soil Test reports, Foundation Concrete and Cube test reports, Tower manufacturer warranty, Tower Load and Safety certifications, Earthing Resistance certificates, Generator Acoustic Noise certifications and Tower manufacturer Specifications.
• Operational Procedures and Network reports w.r.t. Existing Preventative Maintenance Procedures for site infrastructure, Emergency Handling Procedures and Disaster Recovery Plan, Network Issue escalation Plan, Network weekly and monthly availability data for the past three months, Network weekly and monthly Outage Reports for the past three months.
• Understanding the costs of equipment supply, imports and local services costs in country as applicable to local environment. Apply these to arrive at site stabilization, upgrade and spares CAPEX.
• Study & evaluate and put up a complete pricing template to do a detailed per site type pricing model.
• Understanding current monthly site operating costs w.r.t. Lease, Security, Electricity, Fuel, Refueling Expense, Generator servicing and consumables, Site Maintenance and Insurance expenses.
• Customer Roadmap including future expansion plan on existing sites, removal of old equipment from existing sites, new technologies deployment including DC generator, hybrid and outdoor BTS.
• Support the Country Head with inputs on Operations Transition Plan, Manpower, structure, Costs, etc….
• Discuss technical plans and costing with Group CTO and get all required approvals.
• Work with representatives of the Group CTO to agree on the Technical Specifications, Team Structures and Pricing models.
Employer:
Eaton Telecom
Job Title:
Technical Advisor
Start Month/Year:
06/2010
End Month/Year:
Current
City:
Dar Es Sa-Lam
Country:
Tanzania
Description:
Conducting Preliminary Technical Due Diligence on mobile operator's network.
• Work with the operator to identify sites for joint survey.
• Organize teams, visit sites and build a “Site Database”.
• Check site documentation and approvals w.r.t. Environmental Impact approvals, NCAA approvals, As Build documentation, Lease Agreements, Local Government approvals, State Government approvals, Ministry of Power and Mines approvals.
• Check all certifications w.r.t. Soil Test reports, Foundation Concrete and Cube test reports, Tower manufacturer warranty, Tower Load and Safety certifications, Earthing Resistance certificates, Generator Acoustic Noise certifications and Tower manufacturer Specifications.
• Operational Procedures and Network reports w.r.t. Existing Preventative Maintenance Procedures for site infrastructure, Emergency Handling Procedures and Disaster Recovery Plan, Network Issue escalation Plan, Network weekly and monthly availability data for the past three months, Network weekly and monthly Outage Reports for the past three months.
• Understanding the costs of equipment supply, imports and local services costs in country as applicable to local environment. Apply these to arrive at site stabilization, upgrade and spares CAPEX.
• Study & evaluate and put up a complete pricing template to do a detailed per site type pricing model.
• Understanding current monthly site operating costs w.r.t. Lease, Security, Electricity, Fuel, Refueling Expense, Generator servicing and consumables, Site Maintenance and Insurance expenses.
• Customer Roadmap including future expansion plan on existing sites, removal of old equipment from existing sites, new technologies deployment including DC generator, hybrid and outdoor BTS.
• Support the Country Head with inputs on Operations Transition Plan, Manpower, structure, Costs, etc….
• Discuss technical plans and costing with Group CTO and get all required approvals.
• Work with representatives of the Group CTO to agree on the Technical Specifications, Team Structures and Pricing models.
Transmission A, B and C courses
Introduction to Logics
Pulse Code Modulation
Higher Order Multiplexing
Optic Fiber Transmission
34 M/bit OLTE (TL73)
140 M/bit OLTE
ASM Rectifiers
Introduction to SDH
Siemens SL4 Line System
Siemens SMA4 ADROP Multiplexer
DPAM
MDAQ
Exicom Radio
PDR 23 Radios
Card Pay Phone
TSA 4 Coin Pay Phone
First Aid
Occupational Health and Safety
Mini – Link E (Installation and Maintenance)
BC 352/383 Rectifier Systems
CME 20 GSM System Survey
RBS 200
RBS 2000
RBS 2206
WCDMA System Overview
Education Level:
Associates
School Name:
Gravity Sport
Major:
Rope Access
City:
Not Specified
Country:
South Africa
Graduation Date:
Not Specified
Description:
Level 1 (Part 1) Rope Access Course
Fall Arrest Rescue
Education Level:
Associates
School Name:
Andrew Institute
Major:
Telecomms
City:
Not Specified
Country:
South Africa
Graduation Date:
Not Specified
Description:
Connector Attachment
Allgon Repeater System
Education Level:
Associates
School Name:
Etecsa
Major:
Test Equipment
City:
Not Specified
Country:
South Africa
Graduation Date:
Not Specified
Description:
Anritsu Site Master
Education Level:
Associates
School Name:
Mike Hayes and Associates
Major:
Civil and Structural Engineering
City:
Not Specified
Country:
South Africa
Graduation Date:
Not Specified
Description:
Not Specified
Education Level:
Associates
School Name:
MTN
Major:
General
City:
Not Specified
Country:
South Africa
Graduation Date:
Not Specified
Description:
Omnix
SHE (Health and Safety)
Risk management
Education Level:
Associates
School Name:
HASLAC
Major:
Health and Safety
City:
Not Specified
Country:
South Africa
Graduation Date:
Not Specified
Description:
Health and Safety representative
Incident Investigation
Education Level:
Associates
School Name:
Harvard Business School Publishing
Major:
Management Principles
City:
Not Specified
Country:
South Africa
Graduation Date:
Not Specified
Description:
Management Introduction Programme
1.)The Power of “I”
2.)Solving Problems Creatively
3.)Creating Good Vibes
4.)The Power of “WE”
5.)Boosting Employee Performance
