Tell us a little about yourself. What does your job at Telefónica involve?
My name is Rodolfo Rodríguez Acuña and I am Head of Network and IT Operations at Telefónica Mexico. I was recently assigned responsibility for IT operations.
I am an electrical engineer by profession, born in Venezuela and a naturalised Mexican citizen. I have been living in Mexico for almost 20 years, the last nine of which I have spent working at Telefónica de México.
My job at Telefónica, in a nutshell, is to maintain the availability of the network and IT platforms so that the services provided by the company can be operational for both our internal and external customers.
How would you define the role of network operations director?
To supervise, plan and optimise all activities related to the operation, maintenance and evolution of the telecommunications network, ensuring its availability, efficiency, security and regulatory compliance. In addition to the effective and efficient management of the budget allocated for this purpose.
What are your main responsibilities?
Network infrastructure management
- Supervising the operation of mobile, data and fibre optic networks.
- Ensuring the availability and stability of services.
- Coordinating preventive and corrective maintenance.
Monitoring and control
- Managing the Network Operations Centre (NOC).
- Implementing real-time monitoring systems.
- Managing incidents and ensuring fast response times.
Team management
- Lead technical and operational teams.
- Set objectives, KPIs and training plans.
- Foster collaboration between departments (engineering, customer service, etc.).
Security and compliance
- Ensure network security in accordance with the provisions and guidelines of our Security department.
- Comply with local and international regulations (such as ITU, ISO, etc.).
- Coordinate technical and regulatory audits.
Supplier and contract management
- Oversee contracts with equipment and service providers.
- Evaluate third-party performance.
Cost optimisation
- Control the network operating budget.
- Seek efficiencies in energy consumption and maintenance.
Why are they important in telecommunications companies?
Today, telecommunications companies are essential, as they provide the services that enable remote communication. Their main contributions are as follows:
Connectivity
Telecommunications enable people, businesses and governments to communicate efficiently through:
- Mobile and fixed telephony.
- Broadband Internet.
- Private and corporate networks.
Economic development
Telecommunications contribute to economic growth by:
- Facilitating e-commerce.
- Improving business productivity.
- Promoting technological innovation.
Access to information
Thanks to these companies, millions of people can access:
- Online education.
- News and digital media.
- Government and banking services.
Security and emergencies
They are essential for:
- Emergency systems (911, civil protection).
- Military and police communications.
- Early warning systems for natural disasters.
Social inclusion
They help reduce the digital divide, especially in rural or disadvantaged areas, allowing more people to participate in the digital society.
Technological innovation
Telecommunications companies are key to the development of:
- 5G networks and future generations.
- Internet of Things (IoT).
- Artificial intelligence and automation.
What challenges do you face on a daily basis?
At Telefónica de México, we do not have our own access network (antennas); this is shared with another operator in a project that lasted three years. However, maintaining the core infrastructure and fibre optic transport network nationwide, in a country covering 2 million km2, remains complex.
We must have, coordinate and deploy personnel and equipment throughout the country to be able to respond promptly to network failures.
What are the particularities of both infrastructure expansion and maintenance?
The Operations area is not directly responsible for network expansion, which is handled by the Planning and Engineering areas; however, it is directly responsible for the maintenance and evolution of this infrastructure.
In this regard, both preventive and corrective maintenance are essential to keep the network in optimal operating condition.
Which Telefónica employees would you nominate for this interview because you consider them to be excellent at their job?
I would like to nominate my colleague Luis Javier Salgado Romero. He is an excellent professional who was responsible for dismantling the entire access network in Mexico, with extraordinary results.
