"It’s easy to find researchers, but it's difficult to find researchers who can translate results into practical real-world impacts. We chose UTS because they are world leaders in this field and have that ability." Jeff Owen, TPG Telecom
Meet the team
Jeff Owen
Co-Director, UTS–TPG Network Sensing Lab
Head of Wireless Strategy, TPG Telecom Limited
Jeff graduated from the University of Queensland in 1989 with a BSc and 1990 with a B.E. (Hons), then in 1994 with a B.Sc (Hons) from the University of Adelaide. He commenced in the Australian Department of Defence in 1991 developing and testing fighter aircraft, undertaking R&D for guided weapons and airborne radar. He joined GEC Marconi Systems in 1995 designing part of the Jindalee Operational Radar Network and then held design and consulting roles in mining and telemetry areas before returning to the defence industry. In 2000 Jeff joined AAPT as their National RF Manager and then for Hutchison Telecommunications Australia in 2001 where he was part of a pioneering team establishing Australia’s first WCDMA network and 3G business. Since the merge with Vodafone and subsequently TPG, he now establishes a technology and spectrum roadmap with a recent focus upon 5G. He has a keen interest in innovation and breaking the cellular industry out of it’s conventional focus upon basic communication services. Jeff holds patents in Australia and overseas in the wireless domain.
Des Ward
Technical Co-Director, UTS–TPG Network Sensing Lab
TPG Telecom
Des has been involved in wireless networks for decades, first as a radiofrequency design engineer and more recently as a specialist with TPG Telecom in Technology Strategy, Innovation and Sustatainability. This involves establishing the long-term technology strategy for the Radio Access Network including the elements of radio spectrum, platforms, standards adoption, infrastructure quantities, and innovation.
Influencing policy on - spectrum, emerging technology analysis, business case preparation and general strategic publications are part of Des’ current role along with representation at key industry & internal forums.
Des continues to be actively involved in standards development with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). He has had numerous roles including chairing a team of experts of industry, academia, and regulators responsible for the leading method standard which determines human exposure from base stations.
In the past Des has had carriage for EME/EMF risk for Vodafone Australia. Which involves contentious deployment escalation, adverse media, and more. Prior to this Des was principal in his RF consultancy business and before that involved with antenna design for broadcast and experimental dielectric resonant antennas.
Des graduated from Griffith University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Engineering in Microelectronic Engineering. He is currently studying the French language, enjoys skiing and photography, and lives in Brisbane with his two children.