ed reynolds

As the president of network operations for Cingular Wireless, Ed Reynolds heads up the task of overseeing the long and complex integration of Cingular's network with the acquired assets of AT&T Wireless. Far from the simple task of rolling together two networks, the integration process literally involves condensing 13 total networks — ranging from GSM to UMTS to analog to E911 to CDPD — down to one. Wireless Review talked to Reynolds about a project — which is slated for completion by 2008 — that Reynolds described as taking apart two 747 aircrafts and rebuilding them into one 767 with a bigger engine, without ever landing the plane.

On the complexity of integration: When we put these two companies together, it wasn't as simple as two companies with two networks. The really complex part is when you have two networks overlaying each other. You have to integrate so that every customer has access to all cell sites at all times. By the time we get to the first quarter of 2008, we'll be down to a manageable number of networks.

On backhaul for an integrated network: We'll need some kind of higher-capacity backhaul to the cell sites. It's a challenge. I haven't seen a capacity forecast yet that we haven't exceeded.

On taking down some networks and sites: The purpose of that is to clear space in the sites where we can put in GSM or UMTS equipment. And because we're putting a lot more equipment at a single site, we get a lot more trunking efficiency. The single biggest savings is that we operate with fewer cell sites.

On keeping the customer out of it: We're taking great pains to avoid customer impact. Our objective is to have this be totally transparent to the customer.

On new coverage challenges: Coverage is king and always has been. What's changed is what coverage means. Customers are wanting stronger coverage in their homes. When we built these systems out, we didn't look at building penetration in residential areas. We have to look at that now.