My Journey Through Telecom: From Telepoint to 5G and Beyond

Reflections on a Career in Wireless Innovation

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my career, it’s that technology moves fast -sometimes faster than the market is ready for. I’ve had the privilege of working on groundbreaking projects that have shaped modern telecoms, from the early days of wireless communications to today’s 5G networks. But for every success, there were also challenges, lessons learned, and moments when the industry took a different turn.

Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. Here’s my story.

The Rise (and Fall) of Telepoint

My journey started with CT2 Telepoint services at Orbitel, working alongside major players like BT, Mercury, and Hutchison to launch services in the UK and Hong Kong. The technology was exciting at the time—offering cordless, on-the-go calling when mobile phones were still a luxury.

We put a lot of effort into designing the base stations, integrating billing systems, and even introducing location-based services like taxi booking (which, in hindsight, was a very early version of what ride-hailing apps do today).

But Telepoint had its limitations. Users needed a dedicated handset, base stations had a short range, and GSM mobile phones were quickly becoming the better option. One unintended consequence was the home phone dilemma - people would take their dual-purpose Telepoint handset out with them, leaving their home phone ringing unanswered. That led to some confused family members!

It was a tough lesson in market timing. Even the best technology won’t succeed if the customer sees an easier alternative.

Building Intelligent Networks

At Marconi, I moved into Intelligent Networks (IN), where I helped operators move beyond basic voice services. Our IN platform gave telecom providers tools for prepaid billing, number translation, fraud prevention, and messaging services—things we take for granted today, but back then, they were game changers.

One of the most rewarding challenges was developing INV350, a system that allowed operators to create and manage voice announcements without relying on Marconi for updates. At the time, this was a huge step forward in making networks more flexible. But deploying it across BT’s 110 System X exchanges wasn’t easy updates had to be meticulously integrated and verified within BT’s highly customized Operational Support Systems.

It was a different era of telecom—no remote updates, no cloud-based systems, just careful planning and long nights making sure everything worked.

Shaping the Small Cell Revolution

Fast forward to Alcatel-Lucent, where I shifted my focus to small cells - tiny but powerful base stations designed to improve mobile coverage and capacity. Initially, the industry saw them as “femtocells” for home use, but I helped drive the conversation toward public and enterprise deployments, positioning small cells as essential to the future of wireless networks.

I was lucky enough to be part of some pivotal industry moments:

• Leading a 7-nation research project to understand small cells' real-world value.
• Helping define the term “Small Cells” a change officially recognized in February 2012.
• Driving award-winning initiatives, including Vodafone Sure Signal and Optus' small cell rollout in Australia.

One of the standout projects was Metro Cell Express, which won multiple Small Cells Forum Awards for helping operators plan and deploy small cells efficiently. It was incredibly fulfilling to see small cells become a mainstream technology, not just an experimental idea.

Bringing 5G to Life

After Alcatel-Lucent, I spent time with GSMA, helping shape the conversation around emerging technologies like eSIM, Rich Communication Services (RCS), and 5G. A highlight was working on the MWC 2017 5G showcase, securing partnerships with Jaguar Land Rover, Google, and others to demonstrate what 5G could do beyond just faster speeds.

At Spectrum Control, I focus on wireless and RF solutions, helping customers navigate the complexities of modern telecom challenges. I’ve also had the chance to apply my experience in product management, sales, and business strategy, ensuring that innovative technologies find the right market fit.

What I Bring to Any Project

Throughout my career, I’ve developed a unique mix of technical expertise, commercial insight, and strategic thinking, which I bring to every new opportunity. Here’s what I believe sets me apart:

• Bridging Technology & Business – I don’t just understand how technology works; I know how to make it commercially successful. I’ve helped companies turn technical innovations into revenue-generating products, ensuring solutions align with market needs.
• Market & Customer Insight – I’ve led research programs and worked closely with customers worldwide, understanding their pain points and translating them into successful product strategies.
• Partnership Development – Whether it’s working with operators, vendors, or industry groups, I’ve built strong relationships that drive adoption and create new opportunities.
• Innovation & Problem-Solving – From solving technical challenges to navigating market shifts, I’ve helped companies adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.
• Sales & Business Growth – I’ve driven multi-million-pound sales pipelines, developed go-to-market strategies, and exceeded revenue targets by focusing on value-based selling.
• Thought Leadership & Industry Influence – From defining “Small Cells” as an industry term to driving 5G awareness at GSMA, I’ve played a role in shaping how telecom technologies are understood and adopted.

I thrive in environments where technology meets business, where there’s a challenge to solve, and where innovation can make a real difference. I enjoy working with teams to turn ideas into market-ready solutions - whether that’s launching a new product, developing a sales strategy, or identifying the next big opportunity in telecom.

Lessons from a Career in Telecom

If I had to sum up what I’ve learned over the years, it would be this:

1. Technology alone isn’t enough - market timing and user experience matter just as much.
2. The best ideas don’t always win - but they often pave the way for what comes next.
3. Every challenge teaches you something - even the projects that don’t go as planned.

I’ve been fortunate to work on some amazing technologies, collaborate with brilliant teams, and witness firsthand how telecom has evolved. But the industry never stands still -5G is here, 6G is on the horizon, and new challenges will keep pushing us forward.

And that’s what makes this journey so exciting.