Millions of people use the internet to work, surf, play games, stream content, and interact with others, yet few of us give the remarkable technology that enables it all much thought. To keep us linked, hundreds of kilometers of wires and cables must be connected, maintained, and expanded as data usage increases.
Even if you’re not tech-savvy or gadget-obsessed, there are many reasons to be excited about telecom because the industry is growing and solving some of the biggest problems we face on a daily basis. This is a terrific approach to thinking about your career in telecoms.
Telecom workers are laying the groundwork for our digital future. However, having highly developed technical abilities is less crucial initially than you might imagine. Internet service providers provide comprehensive training so you can start your new career right away. Although you do need to be open to learning, having a background in customer service, being well-organized, and paying attention to detail are all advantages.
What is telecommunications (telecom)?
Telecommunications, also known as telecom, is the electronic exchange of information over long distances, and it includes all forms of voice, data, and video transmission. This is a broad term that covers a wide range of information-transmission technologies and communications infrastructures, including wired phones, mobile devices like cellphones, microwave communications, fiber optics, satellites, radio and television broadcasting, the internet, and telegraphs.
A complete telecommunications circuit is made up of two stations, each with a transmitter and a receiver. Any station’s transmitter and receiver can be combined into a single device known as a transceiver. Signal transmission mediums include electrical wire or cable (also known as copper), optical fiber, electromagnetic fields, or light. Wireless communications refers to the transmission and reception of data in free space via electromagnetic fields.
Reasons to work in the telecoms industry
Increased opportunities:
It’s incredible to consider how much the world has changed as a result of the technologies we all have at our fingertips. Telecom connects everything. Businesses developing self-driving cars and delivering groceries seemed absurd only a few years ago. Telecom puts you at the cutting edge of consumer technology.
Because of the vast number of requirements, the telecoms sector requires both civil and professional operatives who can lay the groundwork for the rollout of new technology as well as maintain or repair existing ducts.
Absolutely necessary:
Can you survive without your computer or phone? Especially in the age of remote work. Okay, maybe you could manage without, but that would be challenging, right? With the delivery of services that are more necessary to modern life, telecommunications also provide employment security.
Fast-track your career:
People who desire to advance in their careers could do well to choose this industry. There is a clear route from trainee to supervisor, director, and beyond, and starting pay are competitive. Due to the current skills deficit and the high demand for new talent, there are also lots of prospects for promotion.
Good for CV:
Your experience in the telecom industry appears impressive on your resume. The telecommunications sector is a fast-paced industry that calls for strong problem-solving abilities, keeping up with business trends that are altering our environment, and the capacity to collaborate successfully with a team. They are in high demand.
Telecoms industry is evolving:
In the past few years, we have spent more time online than ever before and the technology that has connected us to goods, services and each other is becoming increasingly important to our way of life and to the UK’s competitiveness and economic development.
Many people with roles in the telecoms sector were classified as key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and there is no indication of a downgrade in the industry’s significance.
History of telecommunications
The word telecommunications comes from the Greek prefix tele-, which means “distant,” combined with the Latin word communicare, which means “to share.”
- 1876. The first telephone was invented by Alexander Graham Bell. This early model required an interpreter, or telegrapher, at both ends. These first telephones were intercom systems, where two phones were connected directly.
- 1877. The invention of the switchboard exchange telephone system enabled any combination of two phone lines to connect and talk with each other.
- 1891. Dial telephones were invented, which bypassed the need for an operator on each call. This made it much quicker and easier to make calls via telephone.
- 1947. The transistor was invented, which led to the development of modern electronics, such as computers and calculators.
- 1948. Microwaves began to be used to transmit phone signals, in places where phone wires did not exist.
- 1960. Phones began to transition from mechanical switching to electronic switching, which enabled features such as voice messaging, speed dialing and caller ID.
- 1984. The Bell System, which provided AT&T with a near-monopoly over telecommunications services in the U.S., was broken up, opening up space for competition for other providers.
- 1984. Cellular and personal communications service (PCS) phone use, which offered mobile communications beyond two-way radio use, was introduced.
- 1990s. Use of the modern internet became widespread.
- 2000s and beyond. The first decade of the 2000s saw mobile phones grow increasingly sophisticated. By 2012, smartphone usage was widespread.