Cablevision Systems has recruited Andrew Ip, a wireless expert who previously designed Sprint Nextel’s CDMA network in the New York area, as vice president of wireless technology and operations.
In his new role, Ip is responsible for leading the MSO’s wireless technology group, including developing, designing and maintaining the Optimum Wi-Fi network.
Ip reports to Jerry Genova, executive vice president of network management and field operations. Genova, who worked for the MSO for 25 years before departing in 2000, rejoined Cablevision in May 2012 as executive vice president of network management and field operations.
Cablevision said Kevin Curran, previously senior vice president of wireless product development, left the company in 2011.
The Optimum Wi-Fi service -- available for no extra charge to all broadband subscribers -- spans more than 35,000 indoor and outdoor hotspots across the operator’s East service area in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. The MSO, which launched the service in 2008, says customers connect to the Wi-Fi network more than 1 million times per day.
“Cablevision has built the nation’s largest and most advanced Wi-Fi network and Andrew’s extensive background in wireless operations, planning, execution and product development will help drive the continued expansion of the Optimum Wi-Fi network, providing even more value for consumers,” Genova said in a statement.
Before joining Cablevision in March 2012, Ip was a partner at Meridian Advisory Group (MAG), a boutique consulting firm serving mobile and media companies, where he led the wireless practice and the company’s financial operations.
Prior to MAG, Ip was a consultant IBB Consulting Group and Mars & Co. in work that spanned mobile and fixed broadband, media, consumer products and healthcare technology. He began his career as an RF engineer for Sprint, where he designed and operated the 2G/3G CDMA network in the New York metro area.
Ip holds a master of business administration degree in finance from New York University and a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from Lehigh University.
