The telecommunications industry within the sector of information and communication technology is made up of all telecommunications/telephone companies and internet service providers and plays the crucial role in the evolution of mobile communications and the information society.

Telecom today is less about voice (telephone calls) and increasingly about text (messaging, email) and images (e.g., video streaming). High-speed internet access for computer-based data applications such as broadband information services and interactive entertainment is pervasive. 

Mobile devices and related broadband connectivity continue to be more and more embedded in the fabric of society today and they are key in driving the momentum around some key trends such as video streaming, Internet of Things (IoT), and mobile payments.

The Wireless Broadband Technician Program provides students with the fundamentals to become telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, also known as telecom technicians, set up and maintain devices or equipment that carry communications signals, connect to telephone lines, and access the Internet.

Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers typically need postsecondary education in electronics, telecommunications, or computer technology and receive on-the-job training. Industry certification is required for some positions.  Once hired, telecom technicians receive on-the-job training, typically lasting a few months. Training involves a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on work with an experienced technician. In these settings, workers learn the equipment’s internal parts and the tools needed for repair. Technicians who have completed postsecondary education often require less on-the-job instruction than those who have not. 

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations.  Some technicians must be certified to perform certain tasks or to work on specific equipment. Certification requirements vary by employer and specialization. Organizations, such as the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers and the Association of Certified Wireless Network Professionals, offer certifications for telecom technicians. Some manufacturers also provide certifications for working with specific equipment.

Job Titles: 
Broadband Technician/Specialist, Certified Wire Technician/Specialist, Central Office Technician, Headend Technician, Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers

For more information, go to Catalog Tab page 50