Kunal Walia, principal, Analysys Mason, has been involved in advising clients on several telecom issues, ranging from spectrum auctions to global expansion strategies for vendors.

In his current role, he manages client relationships and ensures project delivery for telecom operators, vendors, infrastructure providers, media companies and financial institutions. Prior to this, he worked with Spectrum Value Partners.

Walia considers himself lucky to be a part of this interesting decade in the Indian telecom story, during which he has provided advisory services to several important clients on spectrum strategy, auctions, business planning, market entry, expansion strategy and transactions. Commenting on the current state of the sector, Walia says that it is recovering well and the next few years are set to be very significant in shaping India’s mobile broadband story.

Walia has had the opportunity to work on several appealing global assignments, including those in Mongolia and Korea. In addition, he has been involved in some of the most interesting and emerging markets like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Africa and Central Asia.

According to him, every assignment presents a different challenge. “At the moment, the obvious focus is on getting the spectrum strategy right for mobile operators in India. In addition, there is renewed interest from investors across all sectors, which presents a new set of challenges and opportunities,” says Walia.

Listing project and people management as his strengths, Walia considers himself a good team player and makes it a point to not only give inputs and feedback to his team, but also receive the same from them. He is also a firm believer in keeping things simple and transparent.

In his spare time, Walia likes to travel and explore the country. He also plays tennis and other sports.

Walia has a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Venkateswara College, University of Delhi. He also holds an MBA degree from the Asian Institute of Management, Manila.