Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Jobs in Southern Africa

1. Tranmission Planner || Ericsson || South Africa
Tranmission Planner required in South Africa. Should be an Ericsson expert. Pls share cv's/ references at: niti.jain@linkquestindia.com

2. Sr Manger / DGM U&R (Marketing) || Southern Africa

Please send CVs to prerna@corpref.com

We have a urgent opening in telecom for S Africa (Brazzaville/ DRC/Sierra Leone/Chad/ Madagascar) as Sr Manger / DGM U&R (Marketing) Fluent in French and English/Exp in Telecom.

Australia: Energy Australia goes with Ericsson for wireless access

Following an open competitive tender, Ericsson was chosen to design and integrate a multivendor wireless access network for EnergyAustralia.
The network will enable two-way communications between electrical control devices, back-end systems and households.
In a statement to Government News, EnergyAustralia said the telecommunications network was the backbone of the smart grid.
“This allows real-time data from its substations and field devices to be sent back so our IT systems can turn that data into useful information for planners, field staff and consumers,” the spokesperson said.
 
“It will also allow a faster response to power outages, support potential changes in the grid from renewable energy and electric vehicles and will give households more information and control over their appliances and energy use.”
According EnergyAustralia 15 sites in the Newcastle were chosen for the The Long Term Evolution (LTE) trial.
“After the trial we will assess the technology to decide whether it is rolled out across EnergyAustralia's entire network,” he stated.
“One of the major benefits for choosing this LTE platform is its approach to cyber-security – a key consideration in selecting technology for the electricity industry.”
The LTE comes built with the latest security improvements and EnergyAustralia is adding further controls and measures for data protection. 
“By using the same LTE technology as mobile carriers, we will also benefit from economies of scale for chip, device and equipment pricing as 3G networks around the world migrate to LTE,” the spokesperson stated.
EnergyAustralia’s 4G network will cover the five locations that are part of the Smart Grid, Smart City project – Newcastle, Scone, Ku-ring-gai, Newington and Sydney CBD.
The contract is for an initial three years with an option to renew for a further two years.
http://www.governmentnews.com.au/2010/11/30/article/Energy-Australia-goes-with-Ericsson-for-wireless-access/JPOEXONOIW.html

Gulf: telecom mergers and acquisitions surge seen; operators eye revenue sources

After a period of economic stagnation, a wave of mergers and acquisitions amongst Gulf telecom firms shows few signs of fading as well-heeled operators target smaller competitors rather than grow revenues naturally, industry experts say.
“I think we will continue to see more consolidation taking root in our part of the world with smaller, less competitive players targeted by deep-pocketed groups,” said Amr Elalfy, director of research at Egypt-based CI Capital Holding.

Corporate activity in the Middle East telecoms sector has been on the rise of late. Last week, Qatar Telecom, the Gulf Arab state’s largest telecoms operator, and Tunisian investment firm Princesse Holding said they will pay Orascom Telecom $1.2bn for the Egyptian company’s 50% stake in its Tunisian unit.
Earlier this month, UAE-based Emirates Telecoms (Etisalat) said it would acquire 51% of Kuwait’s Mobile Telecoms, or Zain, in a deal valued at about $11.7bn, making it potentially one of the biggest recent deals in the Middle East.
Russian mobile operator VimpelCom also said in October that it could combine with the highly-indebted telecom assets of Egyptian billionaire Naguib Sawiris in a $6.5bn stock-and-cash deal, transforming two regional emerging-markets companies into a telecoms giant with global scale.
The logic behind the surge in Gulf merger and acquisitions is quite simple, say analysts. Big telecom companies face eroding average revenue per user in their saturated domestic markets, and buy-out’s offer an alternative way to grow and diversify revenue.
“We will see more companies look to acquisitions for the following reasons: to grow market share, (subscribers), and to add new products and services – as in certain cases it is more economical to buy new product offering rather than develop it in-house,” Nnenna Ilomechina and Eric Benedict from AlixPartners said.
“Another factor is improving margins by squeezing costs through synergies. As telecom groups grow larger, their bargaining power strengthens, which should translate into better procurement pricing,” said CI Capital’s Elalfy.
Also, telecom operators are finding it easier to get funding now after a period of stagnation during the global financial crisis.
“There will be funding available,” said Ilomechina and Benedict from AlixPartners.
“Companies with healthy balance sheets and a proven track record of efficient operations will be in better positions to fund growth activities internally and secure additional external funding as required,” they added.
Some of the most attractive markets for telecom acquisitions are based in north Africa, sub-Sahara Africa, and Asia, analysts and consultants said.
“There are three main growth prospects for the regional industry: growth from new services, particularly data services; subscription growth in the region’s less-developed markets such as Iraq, Iran, Syria; and growth from expansion into other high-growth markets, particularly in Asia and Africa,” said Matthew Reed, a senior analyst at Informa Telecoms and Media in Dubai.
But with acquisitions also come challenges as there’s always a risk companies may over pay for assets to satisfy their “non-organic growth,” said Elalfy at CI Capital.
“Some markets are difficult in terms of operating environment; revenues are low; competition is often fierce; and there is often political risk,” said Reed.
He added that there will however be some limits to the amount of regional consolidation that will take place amongst Gulf telecom firms.
“While there is clearly some consolidation underway now, I don’t think (some of the Gulf states) ... will be as open as the Kuwaitis have been to the idea of state-backed operators passing into foreign ownership,” said Reed.
“Besides assessing strategic rationale, an in-depth look at the target market dynamics, regulatory environment, rate of liberalisation and company culture is critical for the acquirer,” said Ilomechina and Benedict from AlixPartners.
Acquisitions could also be good for consumers in the Gulf area who might as a result enjoy lower costs in areas such as roaming, integrated services, and one-stop customer service, said analysts.
Zoran Vasiljev, managing director of Value Partners, said that while acquisitions during the economic boom were part of aggressive expansion plans, the current phase of consolidating gains and streamlining operations will be more focused on “either making acquisitions of a strategic importance, or on the opportunistic acquisition of assets as a medium-to-long-term investment vehicle.”
Nevertheless, analysts expect the Gulf telecoms landscape in five years time to be considerably different to its current appearance.
“In five years’ time, I think there will be a few “global” groups and a few more “regional” groups. By then, I expect the telecom environment will have reached a critical mass in terms of subscribers with revenues driven more from data and valued-added services.
“I believe telecom groups will be capitalizing on their customer base by cross-selling new products and services, not necessarily within the telecom realm,” said CI Capital’s Elalfy.

Nigeria commits to introduce MNP

Nigeria’s minister for Information and Communications, Professor Dora Akunyili, has underlined the commitment of the Federal government to the introduction of Mobile Number Portability (MNP) in its bid to increase competition and expand the horizon for excellence in customer service.
Professor Akunyili, who was speaking at the launch of the Airtel brand in Nigeria, last week in Abuja, also congratulated the management and staff of the company for the successful launch of their new brand. She noted that Mobile Number Portability would help increase competition among telecoms operators in the country as well as reduce tariff thereby driving affordability.
According to Akunyili, the Minister expressed delight that Airtel was keenly aligned with the government’s desire to introduce Mobile Number Portability. They have noted with interest your call for Mobile Number Portability, which will ultimately help to increase competition among the operators and result in reduced tariffs. There are a few other initiatives you are pursuing in a bid to lower the tariff paid by customers on your network. Let her assure you that government through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) will continue to support you and indeed the industry.
She assured the company of government support through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) just as she called on the leadership of Airtel Nigeria to create more opportunities to empower more Nigerians to realize their entrepreneurial potentials.
The Minister also emphasized the need for more Nigerians to be given more leadership opportunities and roles in the organization as this would help improve their entrepreneurial skills.

Jamaica plans Sale of Additional Radio Spectrum

­Jamaica’s Spectrum Management Authority (SMA) has announced that it is planning the proposed licensing of 30 MHz of mobile spectrum in the 1900 and 2100 MHz spectrum band, which could lead to a fourth mobile network being licensed in the country.
According to SMA, the technical characteristics of the band make it ideal for the offering of mobile broadband services. On this basis, the Authority intends to license the 30 MHz of this spectrum for the provision of wireless broadband and 3G services.
The current operators have also been permitted to submit expressions of interest, though the regulator has not yet determined how the final auction process will be carried out.
The spectrums released were originally recovered from AT&T when it was surrendered following a buyout by Digicel Group. An attempt to sell the spectrum in 2006 foundered.

Tajikistan levy New Taxes on Mobile Phone Use

­The Central Asian country of Tajikistan has proposed a 3% excise tax on mobile phone use. The bill was passed last week by the Parliamentary lower house, but still needs to be passed by the Upper House before heading to the president’s desk for approval.
According to reports citing Finance Minister Safarali Najmiddinov, the new excise tax on mobile services will let Tajikistan’s state budget receive an additional US$6.8 million a year that will be spent on the development of the social sector. Mobile phone users will not be greatly impacted by the new law. The annual income of all mobile providers in the country makes US$409 million and operators will pay additional tax at the expense of their incomes.
However, a member of the opposition Islamic Renaissance Party (IRP) was perturbed by the new measure. According to IRP Chief Muhiddin Kabiri, the new tax will mainly affect users of mobile phones since the introduction of the tax will lead to a definite increase in prices for mobile services.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Jobs ... jobs ... n .. jobs in different locations

1. Looking for Senior Network Solution Manager
If anyone is interested then please send your resume at Jatin.sehgal@netc-intl.com
Currently we have an opening for Senior Network Solution Manager with our client in Spain. Please find below the job description:
It’s a permanent position.
Responsibilities
• Working with sales and marketing team, create and develop E2E network solution across multiple network segmentation, to help operators to overcome their challenges.
• Present our solution to CXO level customer in European operators.
• Act as CTO/Solution manager role in account team, analyze operators’ established networks, address the challenges they are facing and find out the technical solution may help them.
• Provide technical consulting service to customer in pre-sales phase and help to develop new opportunities for company’s products.
• Develop sales opportunities through consultative selling approach, and also may need to take key role in sales team as technical sales person to close the contract.
• Understand the Europe telecom market requirements (service requirements, customer segmentation, etc), and operator’s network development strategy.
• The applicant should be prepared for travel up to 50% of time.
Qualifications:
• Degree(s) and equivalents in telecommunications or engineering, master is an advantage.
• At least 8 years experience in area of technical sales, product/solution management, technical consulting or architecture design in leading telecom vendor or operators. Previous experience in architecture design and network planning in Tier 1 European operators or E2E solution sales in top equipment vendors is highly desirable.
• Profound knowledge of telecom technologies, good understanding of network solution from end-to-end point of view. At least proficient in over two of following areas: mobile access network, transport/aggregation network, core network, service platform and BSS/OSS. Experience in following topics is highly preferable: Flat architecture of Mobile Broadband Networks, Signaling congestion issues in mobile network and E2E QoE/QoS.
• Good business acumen, be able to understand customers’ business drives and needs, and translate them into technical solution.
• First class presentation and communication skills, comfortable to presentation to CXO level customers.
• Good interpersonal skills, ability to work in a diversified, cross culture organization.
• Self-starter, be ready to grow with the team.
• Fluent in both verbal and written English & Spanish. Additional European language (German, French) will be highly preferred

2. GPRS Engineer urgently required
If anyone is interested then please send your resume at  phil.johnson@morson.com
MAIN PURPOSE OF THE ROLE AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provide first level technical support for customer queries, according to customer contract and internal support model:
* Responsible for meeting contracted response times.
* Troubleshoot requests in a given competence group and level.
* Determines need for technical escalation to GCCs.
* Responsible as technical customer contact during request resolution
* Conducts knowledge searches for potential solutions / other requests in progress.
* Records updates and information periodically or on an as required basis.
* Handles technical questions, provides understanding of customer's network configuration, co-ordinates resolution delivery
* Does on site trouble shooting if required
* Responsible for emergency support activities.
* Utilizes several troubleshooting tools in own technology area
Apply customer specific parametering and configuration in the network elements' subsystems Perform SW maintenance activities such as installation & test of technical/change notes /change deliveries.
Carry out independently complex technical activities such a SW upgrades and technical audits on site. On-site support at customers premises participating network operation service, when applicable.
Plan and run a subproject (like SW upgrade, SW change planning,Tailored technical support), limited scope.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Strong Technical Knowledge on Service Applications products (SGSN; GGSN; Charging Gateway, FlexiISN, Nokia Charging Gateway, PoC)
- Knowledge and experience in Cisco commissioning and Support and IPBB R4
- Excellent Customer Interface skills
- Planning and Organizing Capabilities
- Strong Technical Background
- English and Spanish Language required.
- Willing and able to travel.

3. Job Opportunity: 3G Optimization Engineer (Back Office) || Saudi Arabia

My clients is looking for a 3G Optimization Engineer (Back Office) to be based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Job Description:
* Monitor & analyze the WCDMA/HSDPA Radio Network Statistics on daily basis.
* Achieve & maintain the Radio Network Performance as per the contracted KPIs (Accessibility, Retain ability, Mobility & Service Integrity.
* Responsible for reducing congestion and drops, improving the IRAT Handover, Soft Handover, Location Update, Paging, CSSR, RRC Connection & RAB Establishment Success rate in his designated area for all Voice, Video Packet & High Speed, issuing capacity requests whenever needed.
* Responsible for Inconsistencies Checks, Packet Throughput, Parameter changes & Physical changes.
* Responsible for testing the radio performance for the newly integrated sites.
* Discuss the Scrambling Code retunes requests with his team leader for his designated area.
* Responsible for the drive test analysis and taking the necessary action to improve the performance of his area.
* Participate in technical discussions with the customer in order to gather product-related information.
* Perform Radio Network Surveys, i.e. visit possible sites in order to judge if they are suitable from a radio network point of view (Hardware & Location).
* Evaluate and adapt new methods and technologies regarding Radio Network Optimization, Features, Trials & Tuning.
* Help the customer to get more knowledge about the products by holding seminars and presentations of new or enhanced products and functionality.
* Ability to use the following tools: TCPU, Tems Investigation, Tems Visualization, MOshell, OSS, GPEH, UETR, CTR, BO, MCOM & MapInfo.
* Be involved in trial projects for new products & features.
* Act as a mentor for the younger STC engineers.
Qualification (formal education needed):
* The 3G Optimization Engineer should have a B.S. in Electrical Engineering or equivalent with a minimum of 5 years optimization experience and 3 years in telecommunication or related field.
Requested competence:
* Extensive experience required in relevant filed. The 3G Optimization Engineer should have a good knowledge in the field of 2G & 3G radio communications, acquired through technical training and practical experience or another equivalent company. To achieve and maintain a high level of the 3G Radio Network Services, and ensuring high quality performance on all technical activities, the highest possible level of customer satisfaction.
* Provide effective and enough technical support for the Saudi Telecom Company STC, and continually seek for quality improvements within the project.

4. Looking for 2 VAS Solution Architects in Middle East ASAP.
Send your CV with salary expectation and availability for further consideration: lmanuelvergara@yahoo.co.uk
5 years + VAS, Content Management, IMS, Design Architecture on SMS,WAP,MMS,Mobile Payment experience,RFP,RFQ. Huawei Vendor experienced but other like Ericsson and NSN will be considered.
Middle East experienced a must!!!

5. Urgently looking for a WCDMA 3G Radio Network Tuning and Optimisation engineer for openings in Africa.
Pls share cv's/ references at an urgent basis at: niti.linkedin@gmail.com
Some urgent openings with our clients for the following skills:
Position: 3G Optimisation Engineer
Location: Africa Region
Primary Area of Expertise : (WCDMA) 3G Radio Network Tuning and Optimisation
Secondary Area of Expertise: Good overall knowledge WCDMA and GSM architecture, and Network performance.
Experience:
- Minimum 4 years experience in Network Performance Improvement Projects in 3G Radio Network Optimization Roles
- Strong Knowledge of Ericsson P6 packages (Counters and Parameters)
- Experience in using (MCOM, MapInfo, NeXplorer, TEMS Investigation, TEMS Route Analysis, WNCS, WMRR)
Responsibilities include:
• Monitor & analyze the WCDMA/HSPA Radio Network Statistics on daily basis • Achieve & maintain the Radio Network Performance as per the contracted KPIs (Accessibility, Retainability, and Mobility & Service Integrity)
- Candidate will be responsible for reducing congestion and drops, improving the IRAT Handover, Soft Handover, Location Update, Paging, CSSR, RRC Connection & RAB Establishment Success rate in the 3G RAN network for all Voice, Video Packet & High Speed.
- Issuing capacity upgrade requests whenever needed • Responsible for the drive test analysis and taking the necessary action to improve the performance of his geographical area.
• Candidate should have a strong knowledge with (UETR, UEH, and GPEH) traces, parsing and analysis and comfortable to work with it on daily basis.
• Evaluate and adapt new methods and technologies regarding Radio Network Optimization, Features, and Trials & Tuning.

6. Urgently Looking for 3G Optimization Expert.
If you are interested for these positions and looking for new contracts then please send me your updated resume or else pass this detail to your friends or colleagues who might be interested. Email : jawwad.hussain@linkquestindia.com
Currently Looking for 3G Optimization Expert.
Location: Nigeria
Contract duration:3 months
Rates: Negotiable.
Primary Area of Expertise = (WCDMA) 3G Radio Network Tuning and Optimisation Secondary Area of Expertise = Good overall knowledge WCDMA and GSM architecture, and Network performance.
Special Requirement - Language/Tools = Must have own Laptop, Good knowledge of MS office Hub.
"Experience in using (MCOM, MapInfo, NeXplorer, TEMS Investigation, TEMS Route Analysis, WNCS, WMRR),Mapinfo, TCPU (Tems cell planner universal), Drive test analysis and TEMS investigation drive test analaysis Must have good knowledge with SecureCRT, MOSHELL, Comand Prompts,OSS, PLEASE REFER TO SOW"
"A Snr 3G Opt Eng resource required for this role.
Experience:
- Minimum 4 years experience in Network Performance Improvement Projects in 3G Radio Network Optimization Roles
- Strong Knowledge of Ericsson P6 packages (Counters and Parameters)
- Experience in using (MCOM, MapInfo, NeXplorer, TEMS Investigation, TEMS Route Analysis, WNCS, WMRR)
Responsibilities include:
• Monitor & analyze the WCDMA/HSPA Radio Network Statistics on daily basis • Achieve & maintain the Radio Network Performance as per the contracted KPIs (Accessibility, Retainability, and Mobility & Service Integrity)
- Candidate will be responsible for reducing congestion and drops, improving the IRAT Handover, Soft Handover, Location Update, Paging, CSSR, RRC Connection & RAB Establishment Success rate in the 3G RAN network for all Voice, Video Packet & High Speed.
- Issuing capacity upgrade requests whenever needed • Responsible for the drive test analysis and taking the necessary action to improve the performance of his geographical area.
• Candidate should have a strong knowledge with (UETR, UEH, and GPEH) traces, parsing and analysis and comfortable to work with it on daily basis.
• Evaluate and adapt new methods and technologies regarding Radio Network Optimization, Features, and Trials & Tuning.
Please fill All the details and for which Position you are interested which is given Above.
3G Ericsson Equipment Experience:?
Experience of Optimization with Ericsson Equipment:?
Experience Overall:?
Expected Salary:?
CTC:?
Availability:?
Current Location:?
Nationality:?
You are interested for this position:?

7. Field Engineer- Relocation to Africa
Please send resumes to jobs6@relocationjobs.co.il
An international telecom company is seeking a Field Engineer to relocate to Africa (English speaking country) to be responsible for the implementation systems and technical support for company’s clients. Requirements:
Education background in Electronic Engineer/ Computer Science
3+ years of previous experience in relevant positions
English- high level
Relocation to Africa

8. NOC managers || India
Plz contact Jay.Chen@Networkersplc.com
Client is looking for 3 NOC managers for permanent position Candidate should have vendor experience and previous work experience in India

9. BSS Engineers
Looking for BSS Engineers available immediate for projects all over the globe! If you have at least 4yrs experience be sure to send your CV and contact number to ssandhu@firstpointgroup.com

10. Huawei Core & RAN O&M Engineer
Start date: ASAP
Duration: 3-6 months
Our client has instructed us to find a Core and RAN O&M Engineer who has over 2 years Huawei experience and preferably can speak Chinese.
All levels of experience in Core and RAN are welcome.

Alcatel-Lucent wins Saudi expansion

Saudi Telecom Company is said to be the main telecommunications carrier in Saudi Arabia and the project will see Alcatel-Lucent’s VDSL2 and GPON technologies deployed to allow STC to provide “state-of-the-art, bandwidth-demanding applications” to customers.

It will also expand the reach of its network and benefit from enhanced aggregation and transport capabilities.

“As a major operator, STC is committed to provide its customers with the latest high-speed broadband services with the highest quality of service,” said Zeyad Al-Otaibi, STC VP of Networks. “We are confident that Alcatel-Lucent’s unique network expertise and the high technical competence of its local team will provide us with a superior – though cost-effective - upgrade of our broadband network, enabling us to continue to achieve this goal.”

Alcatel-Lucent will deploy the Intelligent Services Access Manager platform of IP access products to allow for cost-effective delivery of high-speed broadband multimedia services to mass markets.

“Thanks to the flexibility of Alcatel-Lucent’s ISAM platform we can help our customers manage and evolve their networks cost-effectively and make sure they meet end-users’ growing bandwidth needs,” said Adolfo Hernandez, President of Alcatel-Lucent Europe, Middle-East and Africa.

“This project further strengthens Alcatel-Lucent’s long-term relationship with STC as we remain committed to deliver our best-of-breed solutions and global services expertise to the Saudi market,” he added.

Nokia Siemens Networks Launches Flexi BSC with reduced energy consumption up to 80 percent

Nokia Siemens’ says its new Flexi base station controller (BSC) reduces energy consumption up to 80 percent, with a 40 percent increase in capacity when compared to existing base station controllers. The Flexi BSC comes with Packet Abis and A over IP, two new transport features that enable operators to adopt all-IP for communicating among the base station, base station controller, and mobile switching center. Cost savings can be maximized by using IP over Ethernet transport, the common transport technology for GSM, 3G and LTE.
Prashant Agnihotri, head of Nokia Siemens Networks’ GSM/EDGE product management, explains that “Higher voice capacity with fewer base station controllers reduces energy consumption, a major cost for operators, along with simplifying operations and maintenance resulting in lower OPEX. We are committed to driving scalable products that maximize operators’ investment and provide a clear roadmap to all-IP. Whether it is greener networks, capacity, functional evolution or transmission, the new Flexi BSC is a milestone product.”

Nokia Siemens says Flexi BSC is future-proof and provides an industry leading handling capacity of 4,200 transceivers and over 25,000 Erlangs. This means operators can “replace up to 32 existing base station controllers in the field and enjoy high efficiency in building and operating GSM networks. With the benefits of an optical interface, fewer connections are required, which translates to reduced installation effort, faster rollout, and lower maintenance costs. The new Transcoder TCSM3i configuration also offers 40% more capacity while maintaining the compact size.”

The upgraded software for Flexi BSC and Transcoder TCSM3i is based on 3GPP Release 8. Nokia Siemens reports that commercial deliveries are in progress.

http://www.enterprisecommunications.eu/news/447-nokia-siemens-networks-launches-flexi-bsc-.html

Huawei in talks with Airtel for African Contract

As per reports, citing Ron Raffensperger, manager of Huawei’s marketing department, Huawei is in talks with Bharti Airtel, India’s largest telecommunications operator, to cooperate in a network project in Africa.
According to reports, Bharti Airtel is seeking a telecommunications equipment provider for its African project. The candidates are Ericson, Nokia Siemens and Huawei. The contract value is estimated at $3 billion.
Separately, Huawei is planning to launch its intelligent cell phone Android in the Indian market in December.

Ericsson is increasing its workforce in India to meet international demands

Ericsson, world’s largest telecom gear manufacturer has recently bagged in a number of network outsourcing deals in the US. It is now looking forward to its employees in India to accomplish the deals that it has recently finalized. 
The Swedish company is planning to get the parts of the recent contracts managed out of the Asian nation. This would require the conglomerate to increase its workforce in India, told an executive of the company. 
Bharti Airtel and Ericsson led the idea of delaling capacity and services in India. Many vendors make, manage and maintain their mobile network here. Ericsson’s workforce in India holds wide experience in the concerned field. 
Magnus Mandersson, senior vice president and head of business unit global services at Ericsson told a leading newspaper that it has very skilled resources in India. It started its global services in the country back in the year 2000 along with Bharti Airtel. 
Within last six-seven years, Ericsson has increased its workforce in the country to more than 6,500. Out of these, 3000 directly work for global services. 
Mandersson said the company is going to spread its offices at Delhi, Noida, Mumbai, Pune and Chennai. 
The company is planning to renew its current operations as it would help it in achieving their aim.

NSN opens Smart Lab in Korea

Nokia Siemens Networks announced plans to set up a ‘Smart Lab’ in Seoul, South Korea, focused on developing smart device-optimised applications, services and networks. The lab will explore the potential of wireless broadband technologies for delivering a superior end-user experience. The lab is expected to open in the first quarter of 2011.

The focus of the lab would include R&D and industry collaboration on advanced broadband wireless technologies that support industry megatrends such as cloud computing, M2M, smart devices and other new form factors

http://www.telecoms.com/23511/nsn-opens-smart-lab-in-korea/

Is now the right time to outsource your shops as a telecom operator !!!

UAE. Delta Partners, the leading telecom advisory and investment firm in emerging markets, released its latest 'Delta Insight' today, "Outsourcing a telecom operator's shops - can the opportunity become a threat?"
The publication discusses opportunities and potential risks for telecoms operators in outsourcing their branded shops.
Operators worldwide are looking at outsourcing models as a way to focus on the key areas of the business. One of the popular strategies is the outsourcing of the so called 'branded shops', the management of their own shops.
This represents an important sales channel for an operator and a relevant share of opex at 1-3% of an operator's revenues and capex where one shop can cost around US$100k.
MTN, Etisalat, Zain and many other regional key players have already followed this strategy.
"Next to achieving the roll out at reduced timelines, shop outsourcing also allows operators to transfer some of the roll-out costs to external partners thus reducing capex," says Josep Que, partner and co-author of the report. "On top of that, external partners typically manage the shops more efficiently and in alignment with local dynamics. In countries like Jordan operators have even opted for regionally-focused partners to manage the branded shops."
In a stage of the telecom industry development where differentiation is key as the easy days of growth are over in many parts of MENA, to have a well run sales channel is key. However, outsourcing is not without its risks.
"The benefits of outsourcing are evident and tangible but one has to bear in mind the potential threats," adds Miguel Moreira de Cruz, manager. "First, an operator can be in a potential hostage situation with a strong sales partner that has become too dominant, which needs to be carefully managed."
"Second, the outsourcing of shops does not necessarily imply cost savings, but rather efficiencies and has to be assessed in that light. Thirdly, customer service can suffer when outsourcers are chasing profits and sales and neglecting support services and last but not least it is key to ensure the proper back-end support to the sales partner in order to ensure success."
Relevant benefits have been captured by operators that have outsourced their own shops in terms of efficiencies, rollouts and costs, and although challenges exist, identifying and realizing them is the first step to reap the benefits of the model.
The current level of competitiveness in telecom markets is making this an increasingly attractive option for operators to consider, thereby following a currently popular trend worldwide.
http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?id=49762&t=1&c=35&cg=4&mset=1011

Indian govt is considering a parliamentary probe into the operators given the licences || Etisalat DB faces tough talks amid India graft scam

Dubai: Etisalat DB Telecom, a subsidiary of UAE's etisalat, could face protracted negotiations if its spectrum licences for 2G are cancelled in India as part of an investigation into an alleged scam that cost the government $31 billion (Dh113.86 billion) in lost revenues.
After dismissal of Indian telecom minister Andimuthu Raja for selling licences too cheaply to some companies that were not even eligible, the government is considering a parliamentary probe into the operators given the licences. These include eight given to firms under Telenor, two to etisalat's Indian joint venture called Etisalat DB Telecom, and 10 of Russian operator Sistema. A total of 38 licences are recommended for cancellation, and another 31 are to be investigated for meeting only minimal requirements.
The telecom ministry will have a final say on the matter. "Etisalat DB will probably go into tough negotiations with the regulator. Later we might see that it has met with the requirements and it can re-negotiate for new licences," said Lindsey McDonald, a tele-communications consultant at Frost & Sullivan.
Etisalat DB was given 15 2G spectrum licences after its acquisition of Swan Telecom two years ago. A possible investigation could look into and result in the cancellation of licences bought too cheaply or easily. The operator was also criticised for its slow roll-out of services.
Etisalat DB got its phone licence in 2008 and started mobile services this year under the Cheers Mobile brand.
"When an operator enters a new market, it needs to ensure coverage as quickly as possible. If the 2G licences are withdrawn, it will have a major impact on Etisalat DB because all 3G services are added on to it," McDonald said.
All licences under the probe are those sold in 2007 and 2008. India is a market that with a full rollout would have been etisalat's largest with access to about a billion people.
Etisalat had said earlier that it was ready to spend $4 billion to obtain licences and roll out services in India. While its acquisition of a 50 per cent stake cost it about $1 billion, an information technology contract with Tech Mahindra cost $408 million. It also announced a $2.2 billion infrastructure share agreement with India's second largest telecom company Reliance Communications.
The Abu Dhabi-based operator's entry into India that began with a slow roll out hit a few road bumps and now seems to be slowing down even further.

Jobs in multiple locations

Vacancy: Managed Services Solution Manager for Europe

Start date: ASAP
Duration: 12 month contract (Perm package)

Requirements:

Bachelor's Degree or above in telecommunication field or equivalent.
5+ years work experience in Telecommunications industry
Project bidding knowledge and experience, commercial and legal knowledge. Be able to understand and analyze customer's requirements and submit and high-quality service solution.
Familiar with O&M management mode of Telecom Operators or Managed Services operations mode of telecom equipment. Candidates familiar with wireless network O&M and possess practical network O&M management experience would be preferred.
Process services solution developing capabilities and communication competence.

If you are interested in this position please apply via our website at:
http://www.firstpointgroup.com/job/managed-services-solution-manager-jobid-fpg-sp-320

Vacancy: IP Cisco Expert for Europe

Start date: 1 of January 2011
Duration 6 months

Certifications Needed: CCIE or at CCNP

Experience Needed: Minimum 5 years working with Providers networks with proven field experience

Skills Needed: Switching, 6500/7600 platforms, Sup2, S32, S720 supervisors. STP, RSTP, switching, QoS, RSPAN, security, filters, etc. Routing, 12000/6500/7600/7200 platforms, Sup2, S32, S720 or RSP720 supervisors. OSPF, BGP, MPLS, ISIS, filters, redistribution, etc.

Desired Skills but NOT mandatory: Spanish speaking, VoIP : UCM 8.X, VPN/Security : ASA, VPN3000 servers knowledge

If you are interested in this role please apply via our website at:
http://www.firstpointgroup.com/job/ip-cisco-expert-jobid-fpg-sp-322

Vacancy: Chief Solution Architect for Middle East

Start date: ASAP
Duration: 6 months, extendable

Requirements:

+10 years of experience in IT, Transformation Programs and System Integration in Telco Industry for Wireline, Mobile, IP markets.
+10 years in the Business Support Systems (BSS) processes, organization and systems, especially CRM, Billing, Order Management, Provisioning in Telco environment
Extensive experience and strong skills in leading large and complex IT delivery and system integration projects in international environments, involving technology, processes and people;
At least 2 complex system integration projects leading, based on Siebel + Billing (preferably BSCS) + Tibco
Strong team leadership, team building, in multicultural environment
Strong knowledge of Project and Program Management; Strong methodology skills
Deep client facing expertise in international environment

If you are interested in this role please apply via our website at:
http://www.firstpointgroup.com/job/chief-solution-architect-jobid-fpg-sp-321

Vacancy: Managed Services Sales Engagement Advisor for Asia

Start date: ASAP
Duration: 1 year extendable

Experiences & Qualifications:

University degree or above, MBA preferred.
Minimum 15 years telecom operator or vendor experience with direct experience of selling complex Managed Services solutions to wireless & fixed operators. Proven track records in high value MS sales.
Strong knowledge of operators and their ecosystems, in-depth understanding of Managed Services marketplace, and hands-on skills of MS engagements and solution architecture.
Exceptional business and solution skills with the ability to shape large and complex MS deals, conduct consultative selling, develop and execute effective sales strategies and tactics, architect complex MS solutions, and influence customer executives’ decision making.
Strong networking and relationship building towards operators’ CXO customers.
Demonstrated ability to manage large and complex projects from the initial period to successful outcomes.

If you are interested please apply via our website at
http://www.firstpointgroup.com/job/managed-services-sales-engagement-advisor-jobid-fpg-sp-319

Vacancy: Customer Project Manager for Africa

Start date: ASAP
Duration: 3 month contract on rolling

Job requirements :
Over 5 years of telecom project management experience in Africa
Ability to perform Site audit and tuning project for 770sites,
Huawei or Ericsson experience preferred

If you are interested in this job please send your CV to linkedin@firstpointgroup.com