Q&A with Anastasios (Tasos) Karousos – Head of Network Modelling and Simulations
How does your prior work experience relate to this position?
My studies and whole career have concentrated on wireless communications, with a particular focus on how we can design and implement modelling systems and simulation tools to derive expectations on how the network will perform and behave, to avoid unpleasant surprises during the deployment phase.
I have worked on both sides of this process, by developing tools myself, but also liaising with users and defining the requirements for my team to implement. This experience, along with my knowledge of wireless systems, has given me a more holistic approach to understanding what is required and the complexities to deliver it, lessons which I am applying to my current role as Head of Network Modelling and Simulations.
What do you see as the most significant challenges and opportunities facing the wireless industry today?
One of the major issues the industry faces today is one that all of us are experiencing, the energy crisis and consequently the cost of powering the network. Electricity prices have increased considerably, and their volatility, combined with the stagnant revenue streams of the wireless providers, hinders their development capabilities. On the other hand, this – coupled with the sustainability and net zero targets – will force the industry to invest and find new solutions, driving innovation and opening opportunities for new ideas and business models to emerge.
From the user perspective, despite the technological advancements and improved connectivity capabilities, a part of the population does not have access to fast wireless (or even wired) services, especially in remote and rural areas. We have the opportunity now to deliver more for these people and make the living and running of their businesses better, giving them increased opportunities to grow.
What’s been your most successful/interesting project for RW so far and why?
I don’t have a specific project in mind, as I am always proud when we deliver any project for our client, successfully and on time. I have had the pleasure of being involved in a variety of projects, from ones that required a ‘simple’ high-level analysis to others that required complex models and innovative algorithms. I am always glad when our work, with its high quality, makes our customers happy and answers their queries. Especially when that answer was not what they expected or anticipated, or even when it goes against their desire, but for us, being independent, it is important to offer what we believe to be right, based on our extensive experience in the field; better a hard truth, rather than inadequate advice.
What’s your vision for how wireless technology will benefit users, businesses and economies in the next five years?
In the next five years, when 5G has matured and the standalone variant becomes the prevailing technology, new opportunities and capabilities will emerge. Users will have better, more reliable connectivity and access to far richer and more immersive content, whether for communication, education or entertainment purposes.
Businesses will be able to create smart environments, connecting machines and products and improving efficiencies and safety. This trend has already started in some industries such as ports, but it will be intensified in the following years to include more businesses and locations. This will also provide another possible revenue stream for communication providers, such as mobile network operators, who have seen their revenues flattening out in recent years. Finally, these new capabilities will be fertile ground to spur further innovation, create new ideas and economic growth
What advice would you give to somebody at the start of their career thinking about going into the wireless industry?
The wireless industry is a very exciting area to start your career and learn new and cool technologies. Wireless connectivity becomes ubiquitous, touching every aspect of our life. This is true today and will be even more so in future. Especially with the current mobile technology, as well as the vision for the ones beyond – from virtual and augmented reality to autonomous vehicles and the metaverse, which will be realised with the help of the wireless connectivity of the future. Taking communication needs beyond the simple telephone conversations and internet browsing of today.
But apart from that, there is a convergence of networks, where the boundaries between the different communication platforms are becoming more and more obscure. The networks become more intelligent, and software-based, with artificial intelligence and machine learning becoming important cogs of the overall machine. That provides a lot of opportunities for someone to join the industry, whether in network deployment and installation, or in radio planning, or even algorithm design and implementation. It doesn’t matter what your background is, you will be able to find something interesting and exciting to work on and apply your talents.
