PA Consulting Group, the leading management, systems and technology consulting firm, is the first world-class consulting company to open an office in the Thames Valley dedicated to serving the specific needs of its wireless industry.
The new Reading office, which opened on the 1 March 2001, reflects the high demand for PA's wireless technology expertise among the multinational and hi-tech companies that continue to be attracted to the area.
In a period of unprecedented change within the wireless industry – the continued evolution of 2G and the emergence of 3G – PA will provide manufacturers, operators and a host of other companies with expertise ranging from technology strategy to full product development, encompassing base-stations, terminals and applications.
The Reading office will function as an integral part of PA's existing wireless capability. Personnel there will work both with clients located in the region, and as a part of teams operating on assignments globally.
The office is located in the Thames Valley Park and plans to expand to a headcount of more than 20 personnel within its first year of operation. The new facility is supported by PA's Cambridge (UK) Technology Centre and its global network of 3,700 personnel.
Alan Carr, the Member of PA's Management Group who is heading-up the office, commented:
"The Thames Valley is the main focus for wireless technology development in the UK and we have located our office at the heart of the region to enable us to offer the best possible service to our clients. Our main activity at the new office is the development of 2G and 3G terminals, base-stations, networks and applications –work we undertake for blue-chip manufacturers and operators around the world.
"Another key activity will be the design, planning and rollout of 3G UMTS networks and systems. PA is a leader in these fields and provides services to leading players world-wide. We are now able to provide this capability with the added benefit of local support to both existing and new clients in the Thames Valley region."
Phil White, Deputy Head of Wireless Technology at the PA Group's Cambridge Technology Centre, commented:
"To be successful in 3G the industry needs to get it all right – attracting customers quickly; delivering and maintaining the right technology; forming partnerships; leveraging the power of strong consumer brands; and maintaining an efficient yet flexible operation. PA can help manufacturers and operators make the most of this exciting opportunity."
A '3G Mobile – separating the reality from the hype' seminar and a recruitment open day are to be held at the office in April – details to be announced shortly.
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