The ease of communicating from any location to anyone around the world,
and to accessing an enormous variety of information
and entertainment around the clock, makes it look simple to do, but in reality,
it takes the skills and physical efforts of many workers to make the connections happen.
Radio, cellular, and tower equipment workers install
and maintain the tower networks and systems
used in cellular telecommunications and mobile broadband.
They also service aircraft-to-ground communications equipment.
Tower workers often scale ladders or stairs on towers to calibrate and repair
transmitting and receiving components.
They read work orders and blueprints, make repairs,
and run tests to confirm equipment operates correctly.
Workers must ensure that proper weatherproofing measures have been taken
and that equipment is bolted down tight.
Radio mechanics test and repair two-way radio equipment,
but they’re more likely to work in a workshop, soldering electronics
and troubleshooting malfunctioning emergency beacons or ship radios.
They frequently travel to repair ship-to-shore and emergency vehicle radio equipment.
Work schedules in these careers are typically 40 hours or more per week.
Positions are typically in telecommunications companies, construction firms,
and government agencies.
Positions may require an associate’s degree or a high school diploma or equivalent.