Telecommunications is the process of sending data, images, sounds or messages through wire, radio waves, optical systems or electromagnetic radiation. Examples include the telephone, radio broadcasting, the Internet, television and wireless communications (e.g. WiFi, LTE).
The advanced manufacturing sector requires telecommunications for all of its interconnected processes and control systems. Modern assembly lines, robots, and manufacturing equipment are connected to programmable logic controllers (PLCs) that monitor output, speed, errors or the need to shut down for maintenance. PLCs contain telecommunication software and hardware to receive machine signals and communicate the health of the manufacturing equipment to personnel.Much more simplistically though, the Internet and telephones are required for a business to serve customers. When a company’s email servers, internet connection or power go down, the loss of telecommunications stops all manufacturing and business processes. The telecommunications industry has become an essential service to manufacturers.
High-Tech Careers in Telecommunications Manufacturing
Because telecommunications is a part of so many products and industries, it offers endless career opportunities for you. On top of that, you’ll be in high demand for years to come as devices become more connected and our homes and jobs are powered by smart technologies.
Telecommunications manufacturers produce super-secret, high-tech satellites and communication systems for the military, as well as smaller components that have become a daily part of life, like the receivers in cell phones, connected cars, smart speakers and PLCs. Telecommunications manufacturers also produce the framework used to transmit data and messages:
Cables- Internet modems
- Television cable boxes
- Phone landlines
- Cell phone towers
- GPS satellites
Careers in telecommunications manufacturing are hugely varied, meaning you can:
- Conceptualize and design new cell phone technology as an engineer
- Build prototype systems as a skilled tradesperson
- Design software for future plant controllers as a process control engineer
- Test electronics in a manufacturing quality control lab
- Install cable and internet services
- Troubleshoot telecommunications issues for military aircraft
Eastern Ontario Is Home to Telecommunications Experts
Many manufacturers in eastern Ontario make use of telecommunications extensively for their operations. During Manufacturing Month, Ontario East is highlighting local companies, including these three telecommunications-heavy manufacturers:
- ImStrat Corporation offers services and training to gather geographical data using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which require telecommunication technology to scan the surface of the earth and collect data using sensors and wireless communication.
- L3 Harris has expertise in antenna technology, aircraft and aerospace programming and controls, as well as communications/networking.
- 3M is using telecommunications and data collection to better serve healthcare professionals and hospital information systems.
Learn How You Can Get Involved in Telecommunications
External links are provided as informational resources only and are not necessarily endorsed by Ontario East.
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