However, as some of the other comments have stated, there is a massive political problem. I was unerringly honest in my work, and often had to question, repeatedly, some of the answers I got regarding issues I was trying to address and fix, that affected actual customer use of the network. This was in line with something I had been asked about in one of my interviews, a very pertinent question: "Are you aware that this network's function is a life-and-death matter for many of our subscribers?" - which it is, as many customers indeed have absolutely no other way of communicating with the outside world aside from the cell network.
There was, at least while I was there, an increasingly visible insular corporate culture. The people are great, but there is something going on where those who are in charge of important things would rather protect their jobs in the short term, I think, than to face facts and express and fix problems. I myself fixed two major issues on the network that no one else solved. I did it through having to ask for help outside the company, through internet research and work with partners (which was my job) - and the day I fixed a two-year old issue that had plagued the network itself, I was let go, with the the line that "[I] ask the same questions over and over, and do not seem to understand the answers, therefore [I] must have a comprehension problem, so Viaero is not the right job for me."
I was stunned, and honestly, was so put off by this situation that I didn't collect my thoughts - but the reality was that I was asking those questions repeatedly, because the answers I got did not work. And, so, I was getting a royal runaround that I had to eventually deal with using my own resourcefulness. So, I was "fired" for essentially doing my job, and the particular cut was that it was literally within three hours or so of fixing this major network issue.
Now, I had had nothing but the highest regard for the company, because I thought of my work in terms of what is happening for the customers out on the network, and wanting to make sure they have everything we promised. I was - and am - sort of a babe in the woods when it comes to political culture within any organization, and when pushed to it, I will always defer to honesty and bluntness rather than to "play the game." Apparently, this was why I was let go, because I challenged the status quo.
It is very unfortunate, and sad, because I think the company truly has a great idea of providing wireless service to the rural areas of Colorado and Nebraska, and other places. I have very few complaints about the network itself, but I do think that there is a "We're never wrong" culture that really impedes the pursuit of excellence that this company could have. I have great respect for the owner, despite some unfortunate stories about him, and I guess, for me, it was all about "the job" - and it is very sad for me to be gone.
I know quite a bit about the network itself, and although there are some issues that need fixed at times, it is a very good wireless network, or it was at the time of my leaving. I am still subscribed to their services, now as customer, but I am able to "see into" some of the hardware processes, and it does appear there is some change, or even slow decay, in terms of a few minor aspects, that most subscribers might pass off. The saddest thing is that with the continuation of a corporate culture that is marked by a resistance to honesty - over - personal ego, this promising company will hit a brick wall, and in the meantime, contribute to its own legacy, as shown on this web page, of some very unhappy workers and former workers.
Believe it or not, I still hope at times, for something to change that I might be invited back to do work that truly does follow the company's stated vision. Many of the people there, including those same folks in the network operations group that apparently were so frightened by my honesty, are truly very talented people in their fields. I wonder if, at times, some of them may even feel afraid to truly do their work, out of fear of recrimination such as that which I had.
I think that if you are able to be politically savvy, you might do well here. But this is a wildcard, as the turnover can be generated by corporate culture clashes far more than actual effectiveness on the job. I was very effective, so much so that I got run out. This is not a good thing, so be warned. The best recommendation I can offer is "enjoy the work, but plan a contingency, because you may find yourself needing it." - I hate to say this sort of thing, but it appears to be true.
