Eric Palmatier

Connectivity Architect • Telecom Strategist • Writer & Creator

Building intelligent, resilient connectivity systems for real-world operations. Writing about telecom, leadership, and the invisible systems that keep people and organizations connected.

About Me

I work at the intersection of engineering, operations, RF behavior, and organizational systems. My work spans more than two decades of cellular technology, network design, and real-world problem solving — from BBS systems in the early 90s to running one of the largest distributed connectivity fleets in private physical security today.

I’m a generalist in a specialist world: equally comfortable architecting multi-carrier networks, designing an MVNO strategy, solving field routing failures, writing business fables, or building tools that help teams see the entire system more clearly.

Professional Highlights

  • Architect behind a multi-carrier, multi-path connectivity platform supporting 17,000+ gateways and 60,000+ SIM assets.
  • Responsible for 1,100% data growth while dramatically improving uptime and recovery reliability.
  • Designed and executed SIM lifecycle strategy, MVNO/MVNE integrations, and carrier-partner architectures.
  • CISA GETS/WPS member and contributor in national emergency communications.
  • Developer of real-time RF, antenna, and coverage-assessment tooling (KML/KMZ workflows, FCC integrations).
  • Creator of Signal & Noise (telecom-inspired single-panel comics).
  • Creator of Dropped Calls (telecom retail comic strip).
  • Writer of Future of Telecom and other analytical series reaching 20k+ annual views.
  • Known by many in telecom as “the connectivity wizard” — a nickname that stuck.

What I Do

Connectivity Architecture

Designing the systems behind high-demand, high-scale deployments — including gateway configuration, failover logic, real-time carrier behavior, and hardware validation.

Telecom Strategy & MVNO Design

Experience with Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, US Cellular, rural carriers, and MVNE partners. I specialize in cost optimization, prioritization analysis, and designing architectures that scale without fragility.

RF & Antenna Systems

Field experience analyzing line-of-sight, terrain interactions, radiation patterns, and novel antenna designs. Created modern antenna/RF evaluation methodology and tooling used in production environments.

Operational Engineering

Where engineering meets field reality. I solve problems where the blueprint and the real world disagree, closing the gap between design, deployment, and ongoing operations.

Executive Narrative & Technical Writing

I write about telecom failures, industry misconceptions, carrier behavior, leadership under stress, organizational blind spots, and the human side of engineering work.

Writing & Comics

Signal & Noise

A sepia-toned single-panel comic series about the absurdity and brilliance of telecom, infrastructure, and the systems we take for granted.

Dropped Calls

A multi-panel, Calvin & Hobbes–inspired comic strip about 2010-era cellular retail — the chaos, customers, and characters on the front lines of telecom.

Published Writing

My thought leadership includes:

  • Future of Telecom (multi-part LinkedIn series)
  • Unsung Heroes: Small Carriers
  • Deep dives on system behavior and connectivity failures
  • Ongoing work on a fictional business fable (Ironvale Systems) exploring organizational failure and recovery.

Consulting & Advisory

I take on select consulting engagements in:

  • Telecom strategy and carrier architecture
  • MVNO/MVNE and SIM lifecycle design
  • Connectivity system architecture and fleet-scale gateway operations
  • Antenna & RF review and deployment methodology
  • Executive communications and technical storytelling
  • Product design for hardware + software connectivity

Engagement formats include executive advisory, project-based work, architecture reviews, technical due diligence, and retainer models (quarter, half-year, or annual).

Personal Background

I grew up around computers, radios, and tools — the kind of childhood where taking things apart was nearly a family tradition. I started an early BBS (“The Foundation”) that grew into a multi-line network, sparking the career that eventually led me into telecom, RF engineering, and connectivity systems.

I’ve been an amateur radio operator since 1995. I’m a lifelong maker, a light woodworker, and the co-owner of The Ham Badgers, a laser-engraving business for amateur radio operators.

I live in Utah with my family — the real foundation behind all of this work.

Contact

If you’d like to connect, collaborate, or explore consulting work, you can reach me here:

📧 contact@ericpalmatier.com
🔗 LinkedIn: /in/ericpalmatier