A telecommunications specialist is a kind of computer administrator that works with telephones as they relate to computer systems. You may design data communications systems including voice and video transmissions, supervise the installation of telephone systems and provide maintenance to systems once they are installed. In addition, you test lines, oversee equipment repair and keep a log of system-related activities. Telecommunications specialists have a unique profession among computer careers because it is quickly changing as technology evolves and as more individuals and businesses choose to subscribe to digitized or wireless phones as their primary phone number.
For example, some mid-sized to large businesses are adopting voice over internet protocol (VoIP) phone systems that actually identify each phone unit as a hardware device that you connect to your computer – in the same category as a mouse or keyboard. Although the phone works the same as a regular office phone, it can also be operated through a computer-based application, and with the just the click of a mouse, you can dial a phone number listed in your MS Outlook directory. With technologies such as this, trade skill jobs within the telecommunications industry, such as telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, line installers and telephone operators are expected to decline significantly over the next 10 years as telecommunications systems become more computerized.
Telecommunications specialists are now classified among other computer careers, and you will need education in areas such as computer programming, software design, laser and fiber optic technology, and wireless technology. Keeping abreast of new technologies as well as the regulations that govern them, will be very important in order to stay marketable. More technical positions in in the telecommunications specialist profession are expected to grow an estimated 53 percent over the next 10 years.
Alternatives to the traditional "Baby Bell" phone services hit the market when the Telecommunications Act of 1996 deregulated the telephone industry, removing barriers to entry that have allowed competing telephone providers to enter the market. As a result, telecommunications jobs soared from the mid-1990s to the first few years of the 21st century. Cell phones, smart phones, VoIP phones and cable telephone services allow for two-way voice communications, voice messaging and facsimiles using a computer network protocol instead of the public switched telephone network (PSTN), or the worldwide network that houses traditional "land lines."
In 2010, the U.S. Department of Commerce provided stimulus grants in the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program to fund the installation of high-speed fiber optic systems in communities throughout the United States. The projects are expected to provide jobs at every level in the cable and telecommunications industry including jobs as a telecommunications specialist. Although some of the positions are temporary and involve building the initial infrastructure, the positions provide great experience and training. The ongoing, wide-spread installation of fiber optic cables, which increase bandwidth, or transmission capacity, provide for faster high-speed internet and optimized telephone communications. Faster high-speed internet will improve access to live-stream internet broadcasts, such as internet radio and television. It will also provide smoother resolution for video conferencing and other technologies that require a higher bandwidth.
Engineers are also exploring methods to expand capacity in wireless telecommunications to improve internet access on smart phones. With a faster connection, consumers will be able to perform more functions on cell phones that they used to perform exclusively on a PC. Videos, music and software can more easily be downloaded onto smart phones with such a connection, and the phones will be able to store more data as compact operating systems continue to get more sophisticated. With all these developments, it is easy to see how careers in this profession are now classified as computer careers.
Starting salary for individuals in computer careers such as this averages $49,390 annually and has the potential to reach $116,120 annually depending on where you work in the United States. Individuals who are employed in full-time, permanent positions are often given health insurance and other benefits.
Presently, 292,000 individuals are employed as telecommunications specialists, and 155,800 job openings are expected in the next 10 years. Because of the cutting-edge nature of telecommunications specialist jobs, you are more likely to find employment in an urban location. You may work for a large company in an IT department; a cell phone provider; a telephone, cable and internet provider; or a business VoIP provider. You may also consider specialized services that have telephone components. For example, devices that connect vehicle owners to a call center in times of an emergency have phones built in to them as well as other technologies such as GPS trackers.
Most telecommunications specialists need to have at least an associate's degree in electronics or a related field, although individuals with a bachelor's degree in information technology will make individuals more adaptable to changes in technology. You can also receive training for this job through the U.S. military. Additional on-the-job training is common in this profession to keep employees abreast of market developments.
Work Environment
Individuals in computer careers such as this may work in an office, in the field or a combination of both, depending on your position. Telecommunications specialist positions may be full-time or contractual, and some positions may require frequent overtime. You may also need to be on-call if a problem in the system occurs after hours requiring immediate attention. For businesses that service residential customers or for businesses that operate on a global basis today, system administration positions will likely include swing, graveyard, weekend and holiday shifts. Individuals in this profession will work on their own as well as in a team environment.
Physical Requirements
Telecommunications specialists who interact with customers will likely wear a uniform. Protective gear such as gloves or eyewear is required for certain tasks. Depending on your position, you may sit at a desk for long periods of time. Troubleshooting a telecommunications network often requires getting down on your knees, entering crawl spaces, arching around objects and climbing ladders. You may also lift heavy equipment from time to time.
Basic Office Skills Required
Because this is a managerial position often with a supervisory role, telecommunications specialists need good verbal and written communication skills. Spelling, grammar and punctuation skills as well as typing, data entry and 10-key are also very helpful. You will need to have a working knowledge of various computer applications including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. You also need to be able to plan ahead and meet deadlines. English speaking proficiency is also needed.
Summary
So much is happening in computer careers as technology continues to evolve. Telecommunications specialists, in particular, have a somewhat liquid job description as telecommunications technologies merge with computer and internet protocols. Many opportunities are anticipated in these kinds of jobs over the next 10 years, but to maintain marketability, you must stay abreast of changes in the industry.
A Telecommunications Specialist's Typical Work Day
Robert is a telecommunications specialist that works for a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) business phone system provider. He coordinates with network administrators and web developers that work for various business clients to install needed software and to meet compatibility requirements as part of the process of configuring new phone systems. Because of its technical nature, Robert's job is classified among other computer careers.
The VoIP phones that Robert's company sells operate somewhat differently than traditional phones. Even basic functions such as dialing or answering a call can all be performed through a desktop application using a computer keyboard, so training is an important part of any package that the company offers. Although sales representatives train clients in utilizing all the features that the phones offer, Robert also provides a substantial amount of training, particularly to a business client's more technical staff. Most of the individuals in computer careers with whom he works are fascinated with the technology which gives more options to call centers and to staff who travel frequently.
And Robert's company is getting a lot of business, which means better job security. The VoIP phones often require a substantial initial investment, but the return on investment is quick because they end up costing much less money month-to-month and provide more features than traditional phone systems. Companies are impressed with the ability the phones have to streamline operations, thus saving them time and money. Sometimes it takes a little while for staff to get used to the new phone systems, especially receptionists who are used to operating traditional switchboards, but businesses include the transition period as the cost of doing business. The newness of VoIP business phones attracts technical product and service companies who already work with various kinds of cutting-edge technology. The phones also attract businesses that need to upgrade antiquated phone systems and want a system that will last them for years to come.
There is some risk to working for a company that sells such a new technology, but Robert knows telephones and the internet are merging one way or another. Most of the telecommunications jobs he has seen posted require a background in information technology, whether the jobs involve wireless technology, cable-based telephone services or VoIP.
Just a year ago, Robert completed an associate's degree for telecommunications specialists at a local vocational college that included classes in computer programming, networking and web development. The program has only been available for a few years at his school, and because of frequent changes in the technology, the curriculum has to be adjusted on a regular basis. As a result, to keep himself up-to-date, he relies on frequent on-the-job training, monthly newsletters from his college, as well as the media.
The technology advancements happening now with VoIP phone systems for businesses compares to the mass production of more reliable cell phones about ten years ago when cell towers began to dot the globe. Robert knows that cutting-edge computer careers such as being a telecommunications specialist are changing the face of business today and for the future.
