Chief Technology Officer
Dr. Rikin Thakker is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA). He leads the activities related to emerging technologies and advises WIA members on 5G strategies including densification, spectrum allocation, and broadband deployment. He analyzes impacts of current and future use-cases of 5G and provide recommendations on broadband infrastructure deployment strategies. He helps WIA members and their CTO offices identify future technology trends and shape their product, services, and real estate portfolio to make them ready for 5G and beyond.
Dr. Thakker possesses more than 20 years of experience in the field of cellular and wireless communications. He has helped design, deploy, and maintain cell sites, from 2G to 5G, for major cellular operators in the United States.
Dr. Thakker has also served on the FCC’s Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee – BDAC and co-chaired the Job Skills and Training Opportunity working group. He is also an adjunct faculty for the Masters in Telecommunication program at the University of Maryland and has designed courses on 5G and cellular infrastructure. At WIA, Dr. Thakker has played a vital role in the planning and execution of the Telecommunications Education Center (TEC) since its inception.
Dr. Thakker earned his Ph.D. in Systems Engineering with a concentration in Mobile Communications and Spectrum Management from George Washington University, his M.S. in Telecommunications from University of Maryland, and his B.E. in Electronics and Communications from the Gujarat University.
