Project Description
As the Project Manager, I led the end-to-end development and deployment of a greenfield CDMA network in Southeast Bangladesh, establishing a robust telecom infrastructure for voice and data services. The project encompassed the rollout of the entire network ecosystem, including core switching, base stations, IT systems, and a comprehensive billing platform. Collaborating with global partners, Motorola Inc. (USA) handled the telecom network deployment, while Somera Communications (USA) delivered the billing solution and power infrastructure, ensuring seamless integration and operational readiness.
This large-scale initiative not only expanded telecom accessibility in the region but also laid the foundation for scalable digital connectivity. By managing cross-functional teams, vendor coordination, and strict timelines, the project was executed efficiently, delivering a future-proof CDMA network with reliable voice, data, and billing capabilities—enhancing service quality and driving market growth.
Project Information
Designation & Role: Project Manager – Core Network, IT & Billing
Client / Industry: SA Telecom System Ltd – Telecommunications
Budget: USD 8M | Team Members: 50+ (Vendors, Engineers)
Duration: Sep 2007 – Jun 2009
Tools Used: Microsoft Project (Project Management), JIRA (Task Management)
Contributions/Challenges/Impact
Contributions
- Led the $8M telecom project from inception to completion, including WBS creation, budgeting, scheduling, and risk planning. Major Telecom vendor was Motorola
- Reduced deployment risks by implementing a phased rollout strategy (Lab → PoC → Pilot → Full deployment)
- Directed daily IT operations and infrastructure deployment while using SCRUM methodologies
- Oversaw software development and core billing modules, and managed a team of 25 members
- Negotiated SLA amendments with vendors, saving USD1.2M in penalties
Challenges
- Multi-Vendor Coordination: Managing collaboration between Motorola (network equipment) and Somera (billing & power solutions) to ensure seamless integration
- Vendor & Stakeholder Alignment: Conducted joint technical workshops and SLA-driven performance tracking to ensure Motorola and Somera deliverables were synchronized.
- Data Security & Compliance: Meeting Bangladesh telecom regulatory requirements for subscriber data protection and billing transparency
- A critical vendor abruptly discontinued Post-Paid billing support during active operations, leading to significant revenue leakage
Actions
- Structured Project Governance: Implemented a phased rollout plan with clear milestones, risk mitigation strategies, and daily cross-functional syncs
- Secure Database Architecture: Implemented PostgreSQL with encryption, audit logs, and role-based access control for compliance
- Automated Fraud Detection: Integrated rule-based fraud management to monitor suspicious usage patterns and prevent revenue leakage.
- Rapidly assembled a high-performing software development team and designed an interim billing solution under tight deadlines. Developed a CDR mediation tool using C#, a seamless billing interface in PHP, and leveraged PostgreSQL for efficient data management—all delivered within 15 days.
Results
- Successfully rolled out a new telecom network regionally, enhancing service availability and reach
- Delivered high-quality infrastructure and IT systems in a strong matrix organizational environment
- Successfully mitigated revenue loss by deploying a robust interim billing system, ensuring uninterrupted operations and financial stability for the company
- Real-Time Revenue Assurance: Processed 2M+ CDRs daily with 99.99% accuracy, eliminating manual reconciliation.
- Scalable Platform: Supported 50K+ subscribers at launch, with architecture expandable to 500K+ without major upgrades
- 20% faster deployment than industry benchmark
- 99.999% availability achieved post-cutover
