Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers
Additional Information
Duties
Installers and repairers of telecommunications equipment often perform the following:
- Install telecommunications equipment in offices, private residences, and newly constructed buildings.
- Set up, reconfigure, and replace dialing and routing apparatus.
- Equipment, wiring, and phone jacks need to be inspected and repaired.
- Replace or repair defective, damaged, or faulty equipment.
- Verify the functionality of freshly repaired newly installed, and newly upgraded equipment.
- Make adjustments or calibrations in order to improve the performance of the equipment.
- Do not forget to keep a record of any maintenance, repairs or installation.
- Customers should be shown and explained how to use various pieces of equipment.
A wide variety of tools are employed by these professionals to evaluate and diagnose equipment malfunctions. This includes spectrum analyzers and polarity sensors that can be used to identify signal distortions. To disassemble and repair equipment, they frequently employ hand tools such as screwdrivers and pliers.
Computers, specialized hardware, and other diagnostic equipment are all common tools used by telecom workers. Software and program updates are done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions or technical guides.
Installers and repairers of telecommunications equipment at a customer's site must keep note of the time spent, the parts used, and the prices incurred. Line installers and repairers are those who set up and maintain lines outside.
Telecom technicians have a wide range of responsibilities depending on their area of expertise and where they work.
Installers and repairers of telecommunications equipment can be found in the following categories:
Switches, routers, fiber-optic cables, and other equipment are installed and maintained by central office technicians. Thousands of phones, internet, and cable connections are routed through these hubs, which then analyze and magnify the data. Auto monitoring switches send out alerts to telecom professionals when equipment faults, and these technicians are able to remotely fix the problem.
Unlike central office technicians, headend technicians work in cable and television distribution centers, known as headend. Headend are control centers for cable networks in which technicians keep an eye on the feeds.
Installing and repairing telecommunications equipment in clients' homes and businesses is a job for house installers and repairers, also known as station installers and repairers. Installing modems for phone, Internet, and cable TV services is only one example.
Installers and repairmen test the customer's lines to determine if the problem is within or outside of the building when consumers call in with difficulties. They try to fix the problem if it's inside. If the problem is on the outside, they'll connect you to a company that can fix the line.
Education
A bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering, telecommunications, or computer networking is usually required of telecom technicians. Data transmission systems, data communication, AC/DC electrical circuits, and computer programming are common classes in postsecondary programs.
The majority of telecommunications courses lead to an associate degree or a certificate.
Candidates having an associate degree may be preferred by some employers.
Training
On-the-job training for telecom technicians often lasts between a few weeks and several months after they are employed. Classroom education is supplemented by practical training under the guidance of an experienced technician. Workers get knowledge of the equipment's interior components and the tools required to fix it in these environments. Workers who have finished postsecondary education typically require less on the job instruction than those who have not done so.
New staff may be required to attend training seminars hosted by equipment manufacturers or industry associations in order to become familiar with the latest equipment, methods, and innovations.
Telecom technicians must keep up to date with the latest equipment as it is always evolving during their careers.
Qualities that may matter
Visual acuity in color. Color-coded wires are used by telecom technicians, and they must be able to distinguish between them.
Competencies in providing excellent customer service. It is important for telecom technicians who visit clients in their homes or offices to be courteous and friendly. Their job is to teach others how to maintain and operate communications equipment.
Dexterity. Technicians who work in the telecommunications industry must have a stable hand and good hand–eye coordination in order to perform their duties.
Mechanistic ability. As a result, telecom technicians must be conversant with the equipment they install and repair, their internal parts, and any necessary tooling. To be able to install or repair equipment, they must be able to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Skills in troubleshooting. Troubleshooting and developing solutions for problems that are not immediately obvious are essential skills for telecom specialists.
Pay
For telecoms installers and repairers, the average yearly salary was $61,470 in May 2020. When half of an occupation's workforce earns more than the median wage, the wage is referred to as the "median." Most people made between $34,690 and more than $90,680, with the lowest 10% earning the least.
Job Projections
Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers are expected to see little or no change in employment between 2020 and 2030.