Alden Raynor Thomas
Manager Of Network Operations For MTN
Durban
Summary
A highly experienced telecommunications specialist with 18 years of expertise in network operations, vendor management, infrastructure management, and radio planning & optimization. Currently serving as Network Operations Manager for MTN KZN, I oversee RAN network availability, fiber optic infrastructure, power systems, generator fleets, and vendor performance, ensuring seamless service delivery and customer satisfaction. I have spent five years managing MTN’s Managed Service Provider (Huawei), ensuring the successful implementation of quality improvement initiatives, KPI compliance, and operational efficiency. I thrive in high-pressure environments, delivering strategic solutions for operational challenges.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
2
2
Languages
Work History
Manager – Network Operations (Managed Services)
MTN South Africa
11.2018 - Current
- Overseeing MTN KZN’s RAN Network Operations, ensuring optimal service availability
- Managing fiber optic infrastructure, transmission networks, and power backup systems
- Ensuring generator fleet reliability, fuel efficiency, and energy management strategies
- Utilizing Power as a Service (PaaS) software to monitor and optimize power usage
- Managing Huawei (Managed Service Provider) and ensuring SLA and KPI adherence
- Driving network performance improvements, optimization, and service quality initiatives
Team Leader – Radio Planning & Optimization
MTN South Africa
02.2015 - 10.2018
- Developed and executed network planning and optimization strategies
- Led a team in radio access network (RAN) expansion and coverage optimization
- Managed network performance analysis, KPI tracking, and troubleshooting
- Spearheaded regional technology rollouts and upgrades (2G, 3G, LTE, IBS, DAS)
Senior Radio Planning & Optimization Engineer
MTN South Africa
01.2013 - 02.2015
- Oversaw radio network design, site planning, and integration
- Ensured optimal capacity planning, sector tuning, and cell performance enhancements
- Led cluster and network-wide performance assessments to maintain quality benchmarks
Radio Planning & Optimization Engineer
MTN South Africa
09.2008 - 01.2013
- Conducted RF drive testing, coverage analysis, and network troubleshooting
- Assisted in interference management, frequency planning, and handover optimization
- Supported cross-functional teams in network expansion and site deployment
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
[University Name]
Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management -
[University Name]
GIBS Management Program - undefined
Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)
National Diploma in Electronic Engineering - Communications
Durban University of Technology
3rd Year BSc - Electronic Engineering
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Telecoms MBA - undefined
MTN Mini Program
Skills
- Network Operations
- Vendor Management
- SLA compliance
- KPI tracking
- Service improvement strategies
- Infrastructure Management
- Fiber Optic Management
- Power Operations
- Generator Operations
- Energy efficiency
- Strategic Planning
- Budgeting
- Capex forecasting
- Opex forecasting
- Financial management
- Telecoms Engineering
- Optimization
- IBS planning
- Leadership
- Team Development
- Project Execution
- Regulatory compliance
- Network governance
- Performance enhancement
- Power BI
- GIS Tools
- RF Planning Tools
- Network Monitoring
- Troubleshooting
- Power Management Software
- Power as a Service
- Project Management
Team leadership
Operations management
Strategic planning
Staff development
Complex Problem-solving
Performance evaluations
Certification
MTN LEAP – Management Course, MTN Academy
Preferred Location
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Personal Information
- Health Status: Excellent
- Notice Period: Applies
- Date of Birth: 06/21/83
- Nationality: South African
- Driving License: Code B (08)
- Marital Status: Married
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 100 staff members.
- Documented and resolved Network Quality issueswhich led to MTN being number one in KZN.
Pastor and Mentor
Pastor of a local Church that assist with Needs of People, Skilling them in theology and skills
References
📌 Paul Buttery – Senior Regional Manager, MTN South Africa
📞 +27 83 212 2163
📌 Nontuthuzelo Gugushe – Head of Network Operations SA, MTN South Africa
📞 +27 83 212 0215
Timeline
Manager – Network Operations (Managed Services)
MTN South Africa
11.2018 - Current
Team Leader – Radio Planning & Optimization
MTN South Africa
02.2015 - 10.2018
Senior Radio Planning & Optimization Engineer
MTN South Africa
01.2013 - 02.2015
Radio Planning & Optimization Engineer
MTN South Africa
09.2008 - 01.2013
GIBS Management Program - undefined
Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)
National Diploma in Electronic Engineering - Communications
Durban University of Technology
3rd Year BSc - Electronic Engineering
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Telecoms MBA - undefined
MTN Mini Program
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
[University Name]
Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management -
[University Name]
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