What inspired you to pursue a career in technology and communications?
Ever since I was a child I have wondered how radio and television signals could travel long distances and connect people. This led to my interest in technology and communications. This passion led me to study telecommunications engineering and eventually to specialise in the broadcasting industry to design the radiant systems that allow us all to be connected to the world through radio and television. I am fascinated by the power and ability of technology to bring people together.
How did you join Sener?
I joined Sener as a result of its acquisition of the Tryo group where I worked. And when we merged with Sener, I learned of the types of innovative projects we do in such diverse areas, and I was excited to be part of one of these teams that is able to lead the design of an instrument that will be part of a mission to Mars, or the new retractable pitch system at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium. The diversity and impact of Sener’s projects motivated me to join the company.
What is your day-to-day life like?
I work in the TCOM Division’s business development department, in the broadcast market. My daily life is summed up in meeting the needs of the different TV channels and radio stations all over the world, designing the optimum broadcasting system for them for their location in order to guarantee perfect coverage in each city in every country. At the end of the day, we contribute to the free, over-the-air TV and radio signal for everyone in their homes and in their vehicles. I also work closely with the technical teams to ensure that our designs meet the highest standards of quality and efficiency.
We help everyone have a free, over-the-air TV and radio signal in their homes.
What’s your progression been like since you joined Sener? What are the most important projects you are currently working on?
Since joining Sener, I have had the opportunity to grow professionally and take on increasingly greater responsibilities. Currently, we have developed and supplied all the antennas for phase II and III of the new private television channel in Mexico, Imagen TV, to provide the national coverage required. We have designed each of the broadcast systems, based on each location and coverage objective. I am also involved in projects to expand coverage in other countries, which allows me to apply my knowledge in different contexts and challenges.
How do you think the projects you work on influence the current / future world or society?
In today’s society, where connectivity and access to information are so important and necessary, we have to remember that the service provided by “traditional” media such as radio and television is a public service, and as such, through our work, we are helping them reach everywhere in the world. Nowadays, there are still many towns where Internet access is limited, and that’s where, with our broadcast system designs and our products, we help to bring that vital information to every corner. Free, over-the-air television continues to play a very enriching role in leisure for a large percentage of the world’s population. Contributing to these projects makes me feel that I am making a positive difference in society.
How do you keep up to date with general knowledge and trends in your sector?
The broadcasting sector is very stable, technologically speaking, although every so often a new technology appears that’s better than the existing tech. To stay on top of this, I take part in the three main fairs in the sector worldwide, where these new trends are presented. Right now, we’re talking about 5G broadcast to take OTA TV signals to all mobile phones in real time and without the need to be connected to any telephone network. In this new technology, our elliptical polarisation antennas will play a very important role in ensuring good coverage, not only outdoors, but also inside buildings. I also stay in touch with colleagues and industry experts to exchange knowledge and experiences.
When there’s a problem and you put all the machinery to work to solve it. That’s Sener.
In your opinion, what distinguishes Sener from its competitors?
The main difference between Sener and its competitors is Sener´s customer service. For us, Service covers many aspects, such as responding properly and promptly to a request, proposing the optimal solution to each situation, seeking alternatives when the standard product won’t do, and of course, doing what’s right when a problem arises. That’s where you see the greatness of a company, when there’s a problem and you put all the machinery to work to solve it. That’s Sener. Sener’s ability to innovate and adapt to changing market needs also allows us to offer unique and effective solutions to our customers.
What new challenges do you see yourself working on in the medium term?
This sector is very stable technologically, so I’m already working on more projects related to defence, which undoubtedly, due to the special situation we are going through, requires all our efforts to promote and develop new products and tools that will help us keep Sener at the forefront of engineering. I’m also exploring opportunities to apply our broadcasting technologies to new markets and applications, which could open up new ways to grow and develop the company.
Óscar Mata, telecommunications engineer at Sener, specialising in broadcasting.
Contact: Oscar Mata Espinosa | LinkedIn