Network Specialist Ernesto Villalba joined SLV REC a little over five years ago as a telecommunications technician for Ciello.
Prior to coming here, he worked with the phone company for 16 years. “I started with US West in 1999 as an installation and maintenance tech. In my time there I worked on phone, internet and central office duties. Also, I installed fiber optic services,” said Ernesto.
“That experience assisted me with my duties at the REC which included coordinating, planning, scheduling, and installing new Ciello services,” he continued.
In the fall of 2019, Ernesto stepped into the role of network specialist for Ciello. His key functions include installation and maintenance of Calix equipment; installation and maintenance of fixed wireless towers as well as working with Network Engineer Swapnil Modak on the Cisco core equipment and deployment of new equipment in Ciello’s access network.
The latest project includes configuration and deployment of equipment for the various VoIP (Voice over IP) services.
Since transitioning into his job as network specialist, Ernesto has learned a lot about networking principles and time management. “Challenges in my new position are trying to stay on top of various projects. There are so many components in maintaining a network for an ISP (Internet Service Provider). I have also learned that teamwork is essential in being successful,” he said.
His favorite part of working for REC is the camaraderie with all of his coworkers, especially his fellow telecom techs and the network engineer.
Ernesto’s family includes his beautiful wife, two boys— ages nine and 14— and his three-year-old daughter.
In closing he said, “I foresee us growing to be the largest local communications provider in the San Luis Valley with the most advanced state of the art network. Ciello’s innovation will keep our community up to date in the world of communications. Ciello will excel in quality of service along with superior customer service for years to come.”