Ashish K Agrawal

· Dynamic and results‑driven Telecom & RF Engineering Leader with extensive experience supporting T‑Mobile networks since 2020 across multiple markets, currently working in Seattle and Inland Northwest market. Expert in full Project Management Office (PMO) functions—scope development, planning, cross‑functional coordination, vendor and subcontractor management, budgeting, risk mitigation, and end‑to‑end project delivery.

· Responsible for all Project Management Office domains: Scope, Time, Cost, Quality, Change, HR, Communication, Risk, Procurement, and Integration. Delivers defined project outcomes on time, within budget and with a high level of quality. Develops the project's Scope of Work and is accountable for building and maintaining an ongoing Project Management Plan. Builds and manages an effective and engaged multi-disciplinary project team to ensure efficient project delivery, usually in a matrix manner. Responsible for the management of project resources (Amdocs, clients, sub-contractors), ensuring that budget and scheduling constraints are adhered to.

· Aligns project with overall program policies, roadmap, constraints, and plans. Prioritizes tasks and resolves issues/conflicts. Leads and facilitates the project risk management process and is responsible for on-going status and progress reporting. Responsible for the overall project communication plan and manages relationships with project stakeholders. Oversee the project's closure, integrating all relevant components (e.g., lesson learned, KPIs...). Governs and resolves risks and issues that impact project delivery across different content disciplines (SW development, SW Testing, Infrastructure).

· Highly skilled in the 5G/4G design, optimization, and performance enhancement of 5G, SIP, LTE, and VoLTE networks using Nokia and Samsung platforms. Proven expertise in RF optimization, RFDS creation, plumbing diagrams, Atoll ACP simulations, antenna configuration, power planning, and site design for NSBs, overlays, small cells, and DAS. Demonstrated success improving coverage, quality, mobility, interference, and throughput KPIs across SA/NSA deployments.

· Played a key role in identifying device‑related issues impacting network performance in the Seattle market, particularly those associated with T‑Mobile devices and inbound roamers. Highlighted significant 4G/5G KPI degradations—including SA/NSA in accessibility, retainability, user throughput, and SIP call failure rates—caused by abnormal device behavior.

· Escalated findings to management with comprehensive analysis, including performance trends, device‑level fault patterns, and market‑wide impact. Provided detailed troubleshooting and mitigation strategies, such as device filtering, parameter optimization, and targeted cluster monitoring, to reduce KPI impact. Collaborated with cross‑functional teams (RF, Core, Optimization) to validate the root cause and implement action plans to stabilize network KPIs.

· Ensured continuous tracking of affected roamers, improving visibility and contributing to long‑term solutions for device‑driven degradations.

· Delivered top‑tier performance in T‑Mobile national scorecards, with deep experience in cluster optimization, parameter audits, ANR tuning, feature trials, and troubleshooting complex network issues including SIP drops, overshooting cells, RRC failures, ENDC issues, PCI/RSI conflicts, and low SINR scenarios. Strong background in 5G Core concepts and network slicing.

· Played a key role in the U.S. Cellular–T‑Mobile merger, performing RF audits, configuration alignment, KPI benchmarking, and optimization to ensure seamless integration of acquired sites. Adept in MDP‑based analysis, drive‑test correlation, PBL audits, and both pre‑ and post‑launch optimization.

· Recognized as a technical mentor and customer‑facing expert, with additional strengths in project governance, budget oversight, purchase order management, and delivering high‑quality, high‑impact network performance outcomes.

· Worked as Sr. RF Performance Engineer from Mar 2020 – Nov 2023 in Chicago region (Great Lack Area) and Supported design, planning, and optimization of 5G, LTE, and VoLTE networks, improving overall capacity and efficiency.

· Led new site integration and launches across Chicago, Milwaukee, and Detroit. Implemented AWS, PCS, Lowband, TDD, NR, upgraded legacy sites, and delivered optimized 4G/5G, Small Cells, and DAS deployments.

· Conducted readiness checks, E911 testing, SW/RFDS validation, and baseline parameter tuning. Ensured traffic flow, KPI compliance, and post-turn-up performance using monitoring tools.

· Performed propagation modeling, ACP planning (Atoll), and 5G design finalization. Generated coverage maps (Planet) and maintained KPIs like SINR, throughput, and spectral efficiency.

· Prepared CIQ, PCI/TAC planning, CU/DU dimensioning, and supported deployment teams. Used tools like Atoll, QGIS, MapInfo, Tableau. Managed E911 FCC compliance.

· Improved VoLTE drop rates, mobility performance, SINR, and throughput through tilt optimization, traffic balancing, leakage fixes, and parameter audits.

· Reduced ping-pong, early/late handovers, IRAT issues, and optimized cell selection/reselection. Enhanced CQI, SINR, and load balancing across layers.

· Reduced SIP drops rates (501, 481, 603, 408) and conducted 5G/ENDC audits, X2 link checks, SSB frequency, and LCRID audits.

· Small Cell Optimization in Chicago and Milwaukee Market and Improved NNP Scorecard and worked to improve 5G/4G major KPIs like SA AFR/DCR, NSA AFR/DCR, Speed consistency, 5G leakage and improve 4G DL throughput, VoLTE KPIs (Drops and Failures), UL interference, for the LAA/L1900/L2100 layers. Boosted UE throughput via carrier aggregation enhancements.

· Managed high-capacity event tuning, traffic strategies, and troubleshooting using IMNOS, True Call, Actix-One, and drive test analysis.

· Contributed to improving T-Mobile’s national NNP/MD scorecard, maintaining top performance in the central region.

· Improved VoLTE network performance across four Sprint markets (Philadelphia Metro, South Jersey, Delaware, Central PA), measured by consistent KPI gains in accessibility, retainability, and coverage, by leading end-to-end optimization using XCAL/TEMS analysis, in-building validations, and CDMA benchmarking.

· Achieved 99.9% accessibility and 99.7% retainability targets for VoLTE clusters, measured through KPI dashboards and weekly reports, by conducting parameter audits, resolving customer-impacting issues, and supporting key feature activations (vMME IP, QCI tuning, GPL compliance).

· Enhanced VoLTE quality and traffic efficiency at the cell level, measured by improved load distribution and reduced congestion, by implementing LTE traffic management features such as load balancing, access barring, inter-RAT offloading, and mobility optimization (A3/A5 events).

· Reduced call drops and improved session continuity, measured by lower DCR and improved post-upgrade KPI stability, by addressing scheduling inefficiencies, handover data loss, and RoHC context issues during intra-eNB mobility.

· Increased VoLTE service quality, measured by improvements in MOS, SINR, SIP/RTP performance, and retainability, by performing targeted KPI analysis and optimization at network and cell levels.

· Optimized Nokia Airscale VoLTE QCI1 traffic performance, measured by reduced drop rates and improved uplink efficiency, by executing advanced trials (TTI Bundling, DRX tuning, UL power control, CQI optimization, IFHO enhancements) and multi-band load balancing strategies.

· Improved network coverage and capacity planning accuracy, measured by reduced interference and handover failures, by leveraging Atoll predictions, spectrum analysis, and drive test tools (XCAL, Windcatcher) for deep Layer 3 diagnostics.

· Strengthened team alignment and visibility into network performance, measured by stakeholder feedback and delivery consistency, by leading weekly knowledge-sharing sessions and presenting pre/post optimization insights to leadership.

· Accelerated VoLTE issue resolution and call setup success rates, measured by reduced SIP failures and improved RTP quality, by performing advanced troubleshooting using Wireshark and IRIS, analyzing SIP call flows, RTP metrics, and L3 signaling across RAN/EPC/IMS.

· Improved end-to-end VoLTE reliability, measured by fewer session drops and better QoS adherence, by tuning QoS parameters (QCI 1/5), optimizing SRVCC/eSRVCC handovers, and refining reselection priorities.

· Reduced VoLTE call setup failures and drops, measured by post-drive test KPI improvements, by coordinating drive testing, performing L3 analysis in Windcatcher, and executing targeted corrective actions.

· Mitigated market-wide call muting issues, measured by reduction in customer complaints and improved voice quality metrics, by developing and executing a structured troubleshooting action plan.

· Resolved critical VoLTE signaling and media issues, measured by improved session continuity and reduced abnormal releases, by addressing DNS, routing, IMS registration, and NAT/firewall/SIP ALG issues while collaborating across RAN, EPC, and IMS teams and optimizing LTE bands (800/1900/2500 MHz).

· Worked for Alcatel to Nokia BBU Swap project for the Washington and Oregon markets in the AT&T Project.

· Conducted detailed post-migration site and cluster audits to ensure parameter accuracy. Monitored post-migration KPIs and alarms to prevent performance degradation. Performed pre- and post-KPI comparison on formula and counter levels. Introduction and mapping and define AT&T market specific golden parameter on Nokia FL17A based on existing FALU GPL. Daily check of GPL audit, check parameter discrepancy and provide best parameter settings to improve LTE/VoLTE performance.

· Worked to improve VoLTE and LTE network & Optimization for ATT markets on ALU-Nokia system. Engaged in AT&T Event activities such as Super Bowl event, NASCAR Events, and coverage planning, and layer management optimization including features.

· Optimizing Volte KPIs such as VoLTE drops, VoLTE accessibility, SRVCC to UMTS / CDMA, SIP failures, RTP gaps and RTP timeout, Poor SINR and RSRP troubleshooting, and poor MOS location. Good understanding of idle mode, dedicated mode, and Mobility parameters for VoLTE technology especially for QCI1. LTE/VoLTE KPI monitoring and Optimization such as Data Accessibility, Data Retainability, I-RAT improvement with and without CSFB/eCSFB,

· load balancing within multiple carriers, Layer structuring within the higher to lower bands. DL/UL PDCP throughout, LTE/VoLTE data volume. Worked on improving bad UL SINR, PDCCH/PDSCH RSSI, RTWP, and UL noise reduction. Check the SWAP sector within the eNodeB or allocated sites. MIMO ports and check interference within the RX ports. Layer-3 level optimization based on counters and EMIL trace logs to improve Data accessibility and Retainability, Volte accessibility and Retainability, I-RAT, non GBR throughput, and HO success rate. Performing network optimization to reduce TNOL.

· Good knowledge of Nokia latest RAN Feature to improve LTE, VoLTE performance. Validation of global parameter settings and provide the best parameter settings to improve LTE/VoLTE performance. Strong knowledge of Nokia and Alcatel tools – Nokia NetAct OSS and alarm management, performance management and parameter configuration management. Experience with Alcatel -Lucent OSS (SAM), BTS site Manager, Call trace management module, PI management, Actix analyzer. Good Understanding on latest Nokia release such as FL18/Fl17A/Fl17/FL16Aand counter and KPI mapping, knowledge over Nokia and ALU Parameter’s, Counter’s and its new Features. Experienced with Nokia LTE Airscale/Flexi BTS and fALU (eNodeB Macro and Small Cells) products.

Actively involved in weekly war room meeting and providing support to analyze VoLTE Core failures with help from the Nokia Core team

· Successfully launched Vodafone’s 4G network across UP East, managing the rollout of 314 sites and driving deployment for 1600+ additional sites. Implemented advanced 4G features on Nokia Flexi and sRAN platforms, including RL60/70 releases and closed‑loop MIMO to boost downlink throughput. Oversaw end‑to‑end network performance across 2G/3G/4G, conducting detailed KPI monitoring, pre/post launch analysis, and optimization at site and cluster levels.

· Experienced with Nokia RL60/RL70 releases, enabling LTE‑Advanced features, MIMO enhancements, CA expansions, VoLTE improvements, and sRAN/vRAN readiness across large‑scale deployments.

· Trained Vodafone engineers on Nokia OSS/NetAct, including performance monitoring, KPI analysis, alarm handling, and optimization workflows. Guided customer teams through end‑to‑end site integration, including script execution, RNDCIQ validation, and post‑integration health checks.

· Led the integration of Cisco SON modules into 3G and 4G networks, automating configuration, reducing manual interventions, and improving reliability, interference management, and throughput. Established strong KPI monitoring processes within the SON framework to enable real‑time performance insights and proactive issue resolution.

· Managed and guided Drive Test Engineers, performing UE log analysis, Layer‑3 troubleshooting, and Actix‑based post‑processing to resolve overshooting, PCI collisions, and confusion issues, ensuring high‑quality network performance.

· Led a team of 10, managing daily operations, customer interactions, project assignments, and timely delivery of technical requirements. Oversaw RF engineering design and implementation for wireless network projects, with strong proficiency in wireless standards, GIS tools, and Nokia/Airspan hardware. Provided hands‑on support for field installations, troubleshooting, and client‑facing technical resolutions.

· Actively contributed to Sprint’s Network Vision program through LTE KPI analysis, parameter audits, and network implementation support. Supervised site and cluster‑level RF optimization across Macro, Micro, and DAS environments, improving capacity layers, handovers, and overall network performance through precise parameter tuning.

· Took overall responsibility for the RAN network element and handled technical issues. Performed problem analysis on RSSI/VSWR and cleared alarm and troubleshooting UMTS, and LTE. Like (TMAs, RETs, Configuration, etc.). New carrier commissioning, integration, and optimization. Involved in Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting of critical KPIs like Mobility, Retainability, Accessibility, Quality parts, and various root cause analysis & Golden clusters projects like DCR improvement, TA analysis, Interference analysis, User behavior analysis & impact on KPI, Smartphone usage analysis, Capacity, and High user analysis. Analysis of Neighbor relations and implementation of corrections, IRAT mobility planning, optimization, and troubleshooting. Involved in the build-up of 2nd TDD Carrier in Ericsson markets, created scripts, and implemented them in the respective Market. VoLTE, LTE-A, LTE-U new features testing, configuration changes & implementation.

· Worked with the Alcatel Lucent team on Sprint’s Network Vision project, optimizing LTE, CDMA, and EVDO networks and ensuring smooth inter technology transitions. Performed detailed network analysis, implemented upgrades, and resolved technical issues in coordination with cross functional teams, consistently meeting project deadlines and quality standards.

· Maintained network integrity using advanced monitoring and data analysis tools, while managing Atoll database updates for LV/LA markets. Provided recommendations for LTE carrier additions and fixed wireless designs and produced RFDS and plumbing diagrams for zoning and implementation.

· Utilized FileNet, Siterra, and ANGELS for accurate site data management, scoped market sites based on coverage and capacity needs and analyzed tower loading structural issues to ensure compliance. Supported thorough project documentation and stakeholder reporting throughout the project lifecycle.

RF Optimization Engineer – CDMA / EVDO / LTE

• Managed daily CDMA network operations and maintenance, including monitoring and optimizing 1x Access Channel Occupancy (ACO) and Paging Channel Occupancy (PCO) to meet defined performance targets.
• Performed PN conflict resolution, missing neighbor optimization, and ensured 1x and EVDO parameter compliance in line with network standards.
• Executed EVDO and 1x carrier integrations (turn-up/turn-down activities) and improved EVDO multi‑carrier performance.
• Analyzed 1x and EVDO KPIs and proposed optimization solutions to improve key performance metrics.
• Led initiatives to enhance EVDO CFR, CDR, throughput, drops, and blocks through parameter-level optimization and detailed root cause analysis.
• Conducted drive test data analysis to identify network issues and prepared pre‑ and post‑optimization performance reports to demonstrate improvements.
• Reduced voice drops and call blocks by implementing optimization strategies including:Neighbor list optimization
  Inter‑Frequency Handover (IFHO) and Inter‑Vendor Handover (IVHHO) optimization
  Pilot power audit and optimization
  Search window audit and tuning
  Hardware fault identification and corrective actions
  
• Improved EVDO drop rate, block rate, and low throughput issues using multivendor optimization approaches and parameter tuning.
• Planned and executed network optimization activities, including site modification requests, on‑air announcements, special events support, and continuous network monitoring.
• Troubleshot network performance issues and performed parameter modifications using Motorola OMCR.
• Conducted daily Network Vision KPI analysis for CDMA, EVDO, and LTE, providing optimization recommendations on Samsung equipment.
• Reviewed SLA performance, identified gaps, and proposed new RF optimization scope of work to enhance project value and organizational capability.

RF Design & Network Rollout – GSM / UMTS / HSPA

• Led RF Design activities for GSM, DCS, UMTS, and HSPA networks, translating coverage, capacity, and KPI requirements into executable radio designs.
• Performed macro‑level and site‑level RF design, including:Cell radius determination
  Sectorization planning (single, dual, tri‑sector)
  Antenna selection, height, azimuth, and tilt optimization
  Technology layering for 2G/3G coexistence
  
• Developed and validated Link Budget models for GSM and UMTS services, accounting for clutter‑specific losses, penetration margins, and service‑specific QoS targets.
• Conducted initial coverage planning and dimensioning using ATOLL / PLANET / ASSET, ensuring balanced trade‑off between coverage, capacity, and interference.
• Designed coverage solutions for new rollouts and expansions, addressing:Coverage gaps
  Pilot pollution zones
  Cell overlap and dominance issues
  High‑traffic and hotspot areas
  
• Planned new site rollouts and capacity layers by analyzing:Traffic forecasts
  Radio utilization metrics
  KPI degradation trends
  Customer complaint density
  
• Prepared Nominal RF Plans for rollout sites using operator‑provided asset databases, ensuring alignment with sharing constraints and regulatory requirements.
• Defined new nominal designs where required to improve coverage continuity and service quality in challenging RF environments.
• Generated Coverage Prediction and Rollout Acceptance Plots, including:CPICH RSCP and Ec/Io
  Eb/No per service
  HSDPA and HSUPA coverage
  Pilot pollution and dominance plots
  Handover and neighbor prediction plots
  
• Supported site rollout lifecycle, including:Candidate site evaluation
  RF design finalization
  Integration readiness checks
  On‑air and post‑on‑air validation
  
• Coordinated with site acquisition, transmission, and field teams to ensure RF design feasibility and smooth rollout execution.
• Verified post‑launch RF performance through:SIDT and cluster drive testing
  Coverage validation against predictions
  KPI and OSS‑based performance monitoring
  
• Optimized newly launched sites by fine‑tuning:Pilot power and neighbor relations
  Handover thresholds
  Reselection and IRAT parameters
  HSDPA channel configurations
  
• Identified and resolved rollout‑stage RF issues, such as:Missing neighbors
  Overshooting or coverage imbalance
  Pilot contamination
  IRAT handover failures
• Delivered rollout acceptance reports and supported performance sign‑off using drive test analysis and OSS KPI validation.
• Ensured compliance with operator RF standards and rollout guidelines for ZTE and Ericsson networks.
• Actively supported network modernization and expansion initiatives, improving time‑to‑service and rollout quality.