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What does a Communication Technician do?
People who need to troubleshoot a computer or have their telephone systems repaired often turn to a communication technician. Communication technicians install and maintain electronic communication equipment, such as telephone systems and computer modems. They are also responsible for building and maintaining electronic circuits and data networks.
Humans rely very heavily upon complex communication networks. Communication technicians are needed to maintain and repair all of the devices within these networks. They must be able to properly utilize diagnostic and measuring tools to test, alter, and repair any equipment necessary.
A communication technician might be responsible for working on cellular phones, wireless Internet services, two-way radios, handheld computers, and other electronic equipment. A technician may also work on important law enforcement or military devices, such as vehicle location equipment or marine radios. Satellite systems and their related equipment are also included.
To become a communication technician, a person should be very familiar with digital radio technology, cellular systems, and electronics in general. He or she will need good reading skills to be able to read work orders depicting equipment needs. Good communication skills are also necessary to be able to converse with equipment operators and clients in order to assess problems and equipment needs. Sometimes schematic drawings and other written materials are needed in order to locate and rectify problems.
When wireless communications break down, a field communication technician is typically dispatched to repair the damage. This may happen on a work site or wireless network relay sites. Much of the work of a communication technician is not emergency, however, but standard maintenance. Many corporations and other users of wireless networks hire communication techs in order to maintain their systems periodically.
Many communications techs work in stores, repair shops, or service centers. At these locations, they fix wireless communications devices usually brought in by customers. They may also help advise customers about replacement parts and other devices they may be interested in purchasing or upgrading.
Large telecommunications companies typically employ many communication technicians. In this field, they are responsible for both addressing the needs of the telecommunications companies themselves as well as the customers using their services. Such careers may also include duties in sales, purchasing office equipment, and executing office administration.
Formal training in electronics is generally preferred in a communications technician. This can be acquired through community and technical colleges, as well as universities. Many communications technicians receive their training and experience while serving in the armed forces.
Discussion Comments
@sunnySkys - It is always nice to have an "in" at cell phone shops and other places like that.
Unfortunately, I don't have such an in at my cell phone provider. Last time I went to get my phone fixed the people at the store weren't able to fix it and I ended up just getting a new phone. Unfortunately, I had to wait for my replacement phone to come in the mail which took a few days. Not fun!
A friend of mine worked as a communication technician for a cell phone company for awhile. It worked out great for me, as the company had been my cell phone provider for awhile before that.
My friend happened to work at the store closest to where I lived, so whenever I had cell phone problems, I took my phone to him. He was great at his job! He was always able to fix problems quickly.
I was pretty sad when he stopped work there. Luckily I don't have too many problems with my cell phone, but it was nice to know I had a "connection" so to speak if I did have problems.
@everetra - I have cable, and it’s not perfect. Sometimes my signal goes out and I have to have a technician come out and fix stuff.
He reads the signal directly from the wall outlet to ensure that I am receiving it, and if not, he goes into the garage where the main connection is and makes some adjustments. Cable is not affected by weather but it does suffer from outages from time to time.
We had a communications technician install our satellite receiver. I can tell you it’s not something I could have done on my own.
Not only did he have to climb on the roof, but he had to point the dish at a certain angle, right at the satellite. He then had to adjust the signal indoors.
When he was done he gave me a mini lesson however. Sometimes the satellite signal can be lost – dishes are notorious for losing signals in rain storms for example.
When that happens it will retry to recalibrate, but if not, there are certain menu items that I can go to in order to make the adjustment myself.
It got a little technical but everything was there on the screen and I got the hang of it, and have had to use it now and then. Given that experience I say it’s better to go with cable.
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