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Planning of cellular radio network. Determining where sites are to be located to provide service such as new and improved coverage as well as capacity. Ensuring that all sites have enough equipment to accommodate network traffic. Maintaining predetermined radio network standards by continuously monitoring the network and tuning (changing) radio parameters to maintain and improve network quality.

 Site Planning: The Radio Engineer initiates where an area will get coverage or additional capacity. This is done by the use of specialized computer software as well as visiting potential sites to determine optimal location(s) to provide required/desired coverage.

 Site Surveys: Going to potential sites with other members of the Technical department to determine if the site is suitable for all concerned and how the site will be built. Field instruments (binoculars, compass, Global Positioning Receiver, Camera) are used during these surveys to help determine suitability.

 Site Reports: Once a site is finalized, a document (RF Report) with details specific to the radio aspects of the site is prepared for inclusion in an overall Site Construction File. This file is then issued to the external contractors for the site to be built.

 Drive Testing:

Of New Sites: Once a site comes on air, the radio engineer has to test the site (this includes driving around the area where the site is providing coverage), to ensure that all the radio parameters are correct as well as ensure that the physical installation of antennas is done according to specifications.

Of the Network: With sites on air, the network has to be drive tested to monitor the quality. Specialist software is used to collect relevant information during the drive tests, to analyze the results and to produce pertinent printouts (drive test plots). Also, a drive test report detailing the results of the drive test is also produced.


 Radio Network Performance Monitoring: The Radio Engineer has to continuously monitor the sites within his geographical area of responsibility with information (network statistics such as congestion and dropped calls rate) that is gathered daily. This information is used to initiate any changes that are required to maintain or improve Network Quality in the event that something untoward is discovered.

 Radio Network Tuning: The Radio Engineer proactively adds sites to the existing network. This requires changing some or part of the entire network using specialized software, in order to fit the new site into the existing network. This job can only be done during off peak hours so as not to affect customers. Radio Network Tuning also includes the continuous optimisation of the network after drive testing.

 Frequency Planning: The entire network is re-planned at the beginning of each new phase. This is a three (3) weeks process that involves putting together information from all sites in the network (both existing sites as well as those planned in the new phase) and using software to perform a series of steps towards developing a new frequency plan which is then examined, implemented and tested. The implementation is done at off-peak hours (around midnight) and testing involves driving around all the sites to ensure that the changes are successfully implemented.

• BSc. Degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Electronics or Applied Physics
• Training in Radio Planning and Optimization.
• 1 year on the job experience/training

• Highly self-motivated and a quick learner
• Proficient in the use of basic PC applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel
• Willing to work long and odd hours at times

CV