Telecommunications’ Managers take care of communications technologies in an organization, such as telephones, PCs/laptops, tablets, mobile phones, and fax machines, so that its daily operations happen seamlessly.
With the arrival of the Internet and video conferencing, the ways in which businesses communicate with their vendors and clients have become more comfortable. It is the responsibility of Telecommunications Managers to ensure that these technologies work uninterruptedly. They are, in fact, the intermediaries between their organizations and the providers of these services.
In addition, a Telecommunications Manager monitors the configuration, setting up, maintenance, and upgrading of an organization’s LAN and WAN systems, network software, hardware, and voice, among others. They plan and assign work for installing, operating, and maintaining telecom network and equipment, such as routers, switches servers, and modems. Managers also supervise the installation of the latest facilities and locations. They document issues concerning telecom systems and maintenance.
They also work on fiber optic cabling, switching systems, voice mail, VoIP telephone systems, and network infrastructure.
It goes without saying that managers need to have strong analytical skills, leadership skills, excellent written and spoken communication skills, and organizational skills.
Job Description
Telecom Managers plan, devise, build, configure and commission telecommunications equipment, networks, and systems, including voice, data, satellite, microwave, digital data systems, etc. They identify the requirements and determine the cost of equipment, devices, and services. Managers assess and obtain new services and products from vendors. They choose and develop new telecommunication sites, prepare specifications, drawings, and procedures for the use of telecommunications equipment, and decide on the type and arrangement of transformers, circuits, transmission lines, equipment, and circuit-breakers.
Managers maintain records on installation, resolution of issues, and replacement of equipment and parts. They need to identify the telecommunication requirements of their organizations and recommend purchases accordingly.
Managers need to be in touch with all the latest developments in telecommunication technology. They need to discuss with vendors and sales teams on new products and upgrades.
They develop telecommunications policies and procedures and its best practices for their organizations and also ensure that they comply with the federal government regulations.
Managers identify and assess the requirements and issues of current telecommunications’ systems, such as interference and clarity, to come up with the most suitable ways of cutting down, removing, and preventing existing and future issues and improving communications. They oversee telecommunications’ systems to understand the requirements for upgrades, improvements, new systems, and preventive maintenance and act promptly to resolve issues if any.
Managers also calculate performance levels of system software and hardware to anticipate future requirements. They develop short-term and long-term plans for increasing capabilities, improving existing systems, and updating equipment in order to provide better telecommunications.
Managers monitor the performance of their subordinate team members in their daily activities. They have to delegate tasks and provide training to new employees, besides providing training on new telecommunication equipment to existing personnel.
Finally, managers prepare the budget for their organizations’ telecommunications departments.
Future for Telecommunications’ Managers
Job opportunities for electrical and electronics engineers are anticipated to increase seven percent during the 2016-2026 period, which is around the average for all occupations, according to the US Bureau of Labor.
By the year 2020, it is expected that massive opportunities will open up in the telecommunications industry. As per a GSMA report, the telecom industry across the world will see around 5.8 billion smartphones, 5.6 billion unique subscribers, and operator revenues of up to $ 1.2 trillion. If we take these forecasts into consideration, telecom operators will need to plan and increase their scale of operations and overhaul their infrastructure to gear up for changes that will accompany advances in technology.
Educational Qualifications & Other Requirements
To be a Telecommunications Manager (TCM), a bachelor’s degree electrical engineering, electronics, or related field is required along with experience in designing, developing, installing, maintaining, and repairing of telecommunications systems and equipment.
They should be well-versed with the processes of their department. They must have at least five years of experience in the relevant area, out of which three years must be in the supervisory level.
Salary
The average salary of a Telecommunications Engineer in the United States is $66,160, according to salary.com.
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