If you want a career which offers diversity, scope for creativity, a dynamic environment with an increasing demand in the market then telecommunication engineering might just be your calling. Telecommunications engineering is a part of electronics engineering which involves modeling, design, manufacturing, testing and operation of systems and the software APIs used for telecommunications.
According to a report by TRAI there are around 906 million mobile subscribers in India as of September 2012. The global telecom body GSM Association (GSMA) views India as the second largest market in the world in terms of mobile connections. Mobile penetration worldwide stands at 45% of the total population, while it is considerably lower in India. This presents good growth opportunities for telecommunications engineers in the domestic market.
Skills and challenges
A telecom engineer typically is given complete responsibility of constructing a telecommunication system or device. This entails that the engineer drafts the plan, design and also configure the hardware and software requirements to achieve the desired telecommunication system/device.
As one grows in this profession, he/she will also have to compile engineering project proposals to define goals, identify scope, background and need and also estimate the costing of the equipment, parts and services.
Analytical and problem solving skills are always an added advantage for a telecommunications engineer as identifying and analyzing problems of the existing telecommunications systems so that one can determine the most effective ways of reducing and eliminating future problems for improved communication levels.
The basic qualification that the job requires is an Engineering Degree in Electronic or Telecommunications. But like any other profession a degree alone cannot guarantee success. Companies prefer employees who have the basic knowledge of telecom operations with a dollop of an attitude to learn and adapt. The world of telecommunications is ever changing thus to be able to adapt to new technologies is a must in this job role.
Courses –
B.A. In Telecom
B.A. In Telecom
Tech Telecommunication
Tech In Telecommunication
Certificate Course
Diploma Course
Colleges / Institute –
IIT Bombay, Mumbai
Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal
College OF Engineering, PUne
Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, Bangalore
SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai
Job Roles –
Establishes communications systems by installing, operating, and maintaining voice and data telecommunications network circuits and equipment.
Plans network installations by studying customer orders, plans, manuals, and technical specifications; ordering and gathering equipment, supplies, materials, and tools; assessing installation site; and preparing an installation diagram.
Establishes voice and data networks by running, pulling, terminating, and splicing cables; installing telecommunications equipment, routers, switches, multiplexors, cable trays, and alarm and fire-suppression systems; building ironwork and ladder racks; establishing connections; programming features; establishing connections and integrations; following industry standards; activating remote access tools; and coordinating with contractors.
Verifies service by testing circuits, equipment, and alarms; and identifying, correcting, or escalating problems.
Documents network by labeling and routing equipment and cables and recording configuration diagrams and specifications.
Maintains network by troubleshooting and repairing outages, testing network back-up procedures, and updating documentation.
Maintains customer rapport by listening to and resolving concerns and answering questions.
Maintains safe work environment by following codes, standards, and legal regulations.
Keeps supplies ready by inventorying stock, placing orders, and verifying receipt.
Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities and reading technical publications.
Enhances department and organization reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests and exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.