Shaping Tomorrow’s Connections: An Inside Look at DISH Network Technologies

In the dynamic landscape of telecommunications, innovation is the lifeblood that propels progress. At DISH Network Technologies, a dedicated team of experts is at the forefront of this evolution, shaping the future of how we connect and communicate. To offer aspiring candidates a deeper understanding of this exciting realm, Arun Thomas, a seasoned leader within the DISH Network Technologies team shared his experience.

Arun's journey to the DISH Network Technologies team is a testament to his extensive experience and passion for the telecom industry. With a robust academic foundation in electronics engineering and business administration, coupled with a senior management certification from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management, Arun brings over 27 years of invaluable expertise to the table. His career trajectory spans diverse roles, from engineering to leadership, across global organizations, including multinational corporations, startups and service-based companies. His deep involvement in the evolution of telecom, from 2G to the latest 5G, underscores his profound understanding of the industry's intricacies.

Arun's connection with Boost Mobile began during his tenure at Nokia, a close partner of EchoStar in the core network domain. He was drawn to Boost Mobile's ambitious mission to redefine connectivity and its pioneering work in transforming how people stay connected. "We say ‘Our greatest benefit is opportunity,’" Arun shared, highlighting a sentiment that deeply resonated with his own career aspirations.

“As EchoStar, we say ‘Our greatest benefit is opportunity.’ That motto really resonates well with me, because I’ve been able to grow my career farther than I thought possible and seek to do the same for the teams I lead."

— Arun Thomas, Senior Manager of Offshore Engineering & Operations

Joining the core engineering team in Bangalore at its inception approximately two and a half years ago, Arun embraced the opportunity to build a world-class team in tandem with their onshore counterparts in the U.S. This 21-member team, established in August 2022, forms the very heart of the core network for Boost Mobile. Arun emphasized the collaborative and learning-rich environment, where the focus is on leveraging the latest technologies to launch innovative product solutions with customer satisfaction at its core.

When asked about specific projects that make his team unique, Arun highlighted the constant adventure of working at Boost Mobile. He recalled the initial crucial work in achieving 80% network rollout targets, describing it as an "exciting journey." Furthermore, he proudly mentioned the team's significant contribution, alongside their U.S. colleagues, in deploying the cloud-native 5G voice core to expedite the delivery of new 5G services – a project that has garnered public recognition. As subscriber numbers grow, the team remains actively involved in capacity building and implementing intelligent network optimization strategies.

Beyond the technical achievements, Arun's leadership philosophy plays a pivotal role in shaping his team's success. He firmly believes in setting high standards, embracing change and fostering adaptability in the face of rapidly evolving technologies. Collaboration, continuous learning, empathy and active listening are cornerstones of his leadership approach. He sees his role as being a "catalyst" for his team, inspiring, empowering and supporting their growth through mutual trust and respect.

Arun actively cultivates an environment that fosters collaboration, learning and open communication. He emphasizes the importance of transparency and encourages team members to communicate effectively. Providing coaching, mentoring and leading with emotional intelligence are integral to his approach. Furthermore, Arun believes in connecting the organizational vision to the team's daily actions, ensuring everyone understands the purpose behind their contributions. Celebrating successes and showing gratitude are also key elements of his leadership style.

"Set the bar high, embrace the change and also be adaptive," Arun advises, encapsulating his leadership principles. He underscores the importance of continuous learning, while being an empathetic and active listener. Ultimately, Arun believes in leading by example, "walking the talk" to inspire and guide his team.

“Set the bar high, embrace the change and also be adaptive, because technology is always changing. So, we have to be flexible and adapt to the new reality."

— Arun Thomas, Senior Manager of Offshore Engineering & Operations

For candidates seeking a dynamic and impactful career in telecommunications, the DISH Network Technologies team offers a unique opportunity to be part of a revolutionary journey. Working alongside experienced leaders like Arun Thomas, individuals will be empowered to contribute to innovative projects, shape the future of connectivity and thrive in a collaborative environment. If you are driven by a passion for technology and a desire to make a tangible impact, DISH Network Technologies might just be the launchpad for your next great adventure.