Thirupal Varikela

About Thirupal Varikela

Senior RF Network Planning & Optimization (NPO) professional with 16+ years of experience delivering high-performance 2G, 3G, 4G LTE/VoLTE, and 5G SA/VoNR networks for tier-1 operators and international managed services programs across India and Africa.Currently working as an RF Engineer Lead on one of the world’s largest LTE/5G networks, owning end-to-end RF performance, KPI governance, and optimization strategy across high-traffic, subscriber-dense clusters. Strong background in cluster optimization, capacity engineering, VoLTE/VoNR quality, mobility robustness, and interference mitigation, translating RF decisions into measurable improvements in customer experience, network stability, and capacity readiness.Hands-on expertise in multi-vendor RAN environments including Nokia, Ericsson, Samsung, Huawei, and Airspan, with deep command of LTE/NR parameter strategy, feature trials (MLB, IMLB, ICIC, UL Comp, VoMA), and advanced L3 signaling analysis (RRC, HO, RLF, Attach). Proven ability to lead RF teams, drive cross-functional coordination (planning, deployment, core, field), and deliver against strict SLA/KPI targets typical of international operator and OEM-managed services contracts.Recognized with multiple consecutive Best Employee Awards for sustained RF performance impact. Experienced in operating within multicultural, multi-country environments, supporting aggressive rollout timelines and optimization transformations.

Experience

1. Senior Rf Npo Lead

   Jio

   Oct 2015 — Present · Hyderabad, IN

   Planning and optimizing 5G Standalone (SA) networks, including beamforming, spectrum utilization, and KPI tuning.Supporting & achieving <20ms latency for URLLC and VoNR services.Optimizing massive MIMO, TDD frame configuration, and carrier bandwidth allocation for maximum throughput.Conducting PCI/SSB planning & beam management to enhance coverage and reduce interference.Managing handover strategy tuning (intra-frequency, inter-frequency, LTE–NR interworking) to minimize call drops.Performing QoS/QoE analysis for VoNR, eMBB, and mMTC services, improving end-user experience.Collaborating on network slicing, low-latency use cases, and MEC edge deployments.Conducting drive test analysis with Actix for NR-SA trials and fine-tuning mobility parameters.Delivering automation scripts for 5G KPI audits and optimization reports to reduce manual analysis time.Interfacing with chipset/device vendors for UE-level debugging in early 5G deployments.Coordinating with Core (5GC) & Transmission teams for seamless end-to-end SA call flows.Optimizing massive MIMO, carrier bandwidth allocation, and mobility procedures to boost 5G throughput.Leading VoLTE optimization projects for Tier-1 operators, ensuring high CSSR and MOS quality.Driving LTE planning & optimization, including carrier aggregation, MIMO, spectrum refarming, and PCI planning.Conducting drive test log analysis (Actix) and applying parameter optimization to improve throughput and latency.Collaborating with core/transport teams to optimize end-to-end VoLTE call flows.Supporting VoWiFi & IMS integration with seamless mobility and handovers.Delivering technical mentoring and training for junior engineers and solution partners.

Education

• JNTUH College of Engineering Hyderabad

  Bachelor of Technology - BTech, Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering

  2004 — 2008