Simon M Watts has worked in the telecommunications industry since graduation from Manchester University in 1981, with the majority of his experience gained from within the satellite communications industry. Simon has extensive experience of satellite communications and network design having overseen deployment of major satellite networks for BT International and Hughes Network Systems.
Simon has worked with Avanti in a Principle Consultant role from early 2012 on multiple ESA, UK, FP7 and H2020 projects looking at the integration of satcom in to 5G and related topics. He has brought wide experience in the telecommunications and broadband network industries at a technical and commercial level to ensure technical and commercial direction. These projects have covered areas including the integration of satellite and terrestrial networks, 5G future satellite networks, modem/antenna design, cellular and Wi-Fi backhaul, mobility, and the network design for incubator services projects in East Africa offering Wi-Fi and multicast content delivery.
He was Hughes Network Systems Europe – Chief Engineer between 2001 and 2011 Prior to this he worked at HNS Europe in multiple other roles between 1996 and 2001. His career started at BT International initially helping to design and implement ground station systems before providing VSAT systems in the North Sea for Oil Companies and a VSAT network in southern Africa for a major UK bank.
Simon regularly presents and participates in discussion panels and has supported multiple technical papers whilst at Avanti. Simon is the Avanti representative on ESOA’s 5G Standards Working Group. He is an MIET.