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OVERVIEW Cable television technicians install, inspect, maintain, and repair antennas, cables, and amplifying equipment used in cable television transmission. Approximately 162,000 telecommunications line installers and repairers are employed in the United States. HISTORY The growth of cable television transmission systems greatly affected the broadcast industry. The birth of cable television can be traced to the development of coaxial cable (copper wire inside an aluminum tube, both with the same axis), which was invented in the 1930s in the Bell Telephone Laboratories, primarily to improve telephone transmission. It was soon found that a coaxial cable could also carry television transmissions very efficiently. One coaxial cable can carry up to 500 television signals, enabling a cable system to offer a wide variety of programming and still reserve channels for public-service use. No one knows for sure when or where the first cable television system was installed, but by 1950, early cable television systems were in use The first cable television systems used a central receiving antenna to pick up programs from broadcast stations and were used to carry television signals to areas where conventional transmission could not reach: valleys, extremely hilly regions, and large cities where buildings interfered with radio waves. Cable systems were then built in areas with good reception as a way of offering subscribers an increased number of channels. In the l and 1960s, cable television operators began using microwave radio relays for signals. This allowed the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish its authority over cable television, as the FCC regulates any use of microwave transmission systems. Channel converters were introduced in the 1960s, allowing cable television systems to deliver a greater number of channels, and thus, a wider choice of programs. When cable television operators offered pay-TV to the public in the 1960s, there was much public outcry. The public was so accustomed to being offered TV programming at no charge that they could not accept what seemed to be an outrageous concept. California, in fact, passed a state referendum that actually outlawed pay-TV. The referendum was later overruled by the state supreme court as being unconstitutional. The broadcast industry also opposed cable television, fearing competition in its markets. In 1968, the FCC actually forbade new cable construction in some areas. Though it later lifted this ban, it continued to restrict what cable television companies could offer the public. In 1972, pay-TV, or pay-cable, was reintroduced by Home Box Office (HBO), which offered special programs to subscribers who paid a fee in addition to its charge for basic cable service. At first, HBO distributed its programs through a tape distribution system, then a microwave distribution network. Three years later, HBO began distributing pay-cable by satellite, which led to the rapid expansion of cable television as we know it today. Satellites supply programming to cable television systems by relaying signals from one point on earth to another. To receive signals from a communications satellite, an earth station, or satellite receiving dish, is used. The signals are then transmitted across coaxial lines or hybrid fiber/coaxial cables to the subscriber’s television. Approximately 58 percent of households with televisions sub scribe to a pay service, and for the majority of these households the service is cable television. Other pay television services, such as satellite subscriptions, are also becoming popular. Cable operators are currently upgrading their systems to offer even more services, such as digital and high-definition television (HDTV) programming, telephone communication services, and high-speed Internet access. More than 36 million cable subscribers receive digital TV. The FCC has also been involved in introducing digital television transmission. The FCC required all commercial stations to switch to an all digital broadcast system in 2009. THE JOB Cable television technicians perform a wide range of duties in a variety of settings. Television cables usually follow the routes of telephone cables, running along poles in rural and suburban areas and through tunnels in cities. Working in tunnels and underground cable passageways, cable television technicians inspect cables for evidence of damage and corrosion. Using diagrams and blueprints, they trace cables to locate sites of signal breakdown. Technicians may also work at pole-mounted amplifiers, where they analyze the strength of incoming television signals, using field-strength meters and miniature television receivers to evaluate reception. At customers’ homes, technicians service the terminal boxes, explain the workings of the cable system, answer questions, and respond to complaints that may indicate cable or equipment problems. When major problems arise, they repair or replace damaged or faulty cable systems. John Manito works as a technician for Comcast in Santa Ana, California. He’s had years of experience as both a maintenance technician and a construction technician. As a construction technician, his work has involved expanding underground service by the trenching and boring of grass, dirt, asphalt, and concrete as well as the coordination of city and county projects. As a maintenance technician, John maintained a cable television plant in three cities within a seven-city system. “I was required to maintain a level of performance and picture quality,” he says, “set by system, industry, and FCC proof of performance specifications standards.” To do so, Manito followed a routine of preventive maintenance procedures. “This included the sweep and balance of all receivers and amplifiers in the system and operational checks and periodic tests of all power supply units. Also, I was required by the FCC to furnish documentation of all signal leakage detected in my area including corrective actions taken and dates of occurrence and correction.” He was also required to perform “on-call” duties once a month for seven days. “This required response, within 30 minutes, to any outage consisting of five or more subscribers at any time, 24 hours a day.” Cable television technicians use various electrical measuring instruments (voltmeters, field-strength meters) to diagnose causes of transmission problems. They also use electricians’ hand tools (including screwdrivers, pliers, etc.) to dismantle, repair, or replace faulty sections of cable or disabled equipment, such as amplifying equipment used to boost the signal at intervals along the cable system. Some cable television technicians may perform a specific type of work, rather than a full range of tasks. Following are some of the specialized positions held by cable television technicians. Trunk technicians, or line technicians, perform routine maintenance and fix electronic problems on the trunk line, which connects the feeder lines in the street to the head-end. They also fix electronic failures in the feeder amplifiers. Amplifiers increase the strength of the electronic signal for clear reception and are spaced throughout the cable system. Some trunk technicians install both underground and aboveground cables. Using a sweep analyzer, they check signals in all parts of the cable television system to make sure all parts are operating correctly. Headend technicians and microwave technicians check that the equipment providing input to the cable television system is working properly. The headend, or control center of a cable television system, is where incoming signals are amplified, converted, processed, and combined into a common cable. Headend technicians check antennas, preamplifiers, frequency converters, processors, demodulators, modulators, and other related equipment using power meters, frequency counters, and waveform monitors. In some companies, the headend technician works with satellite receiving stations and related equipment. This person may be the chief technician in some companies. Many electronics technicians work as headend technicians and microwave technicians Service technicians respond to problems with subscribers’ cable reception. They work on amplifiers, poles, and lines, in addition to making calls to subscribers’ homes. They check the lines and connections that go into a home and those inside it, troubleshoot problems, and repair faulty equipment. Bench technicians work in a cable television system’s repair facility. They examine malfunctioning equipment that is brought into the shop, diagnose the problem, and repair it. They may also repair and calibrate test equipment. Some bench technicians are electronics technicians. Technical supervisors oversee the technicians who work in the field and provide on-the-job training to technicians. Duties vary but can include dealing with contractors and coordinating with outside agencies such as utility companies, municipalities, and large customers. Chief technicians and lead technicians are among the most highly skilled of the technical staff. Many chief technicians do not work in the field except in emergency situations or complex situations requiring their special expertise. Chief technicians provide technical information to technicians in the field and may supervise the technical staff. They may work with satellite receiving equipment. These positions are usually held by senior staff personnel and require a strong background in electronics. An important aspect of the work of cable television technicians involves implementing regular programs of preventive maintenance on the cable system. Technicians inspect connections, insulation, and the performance of amplifying equipment, using measuring instruments and viewing the transmitted signals on television monitors. REQUIREMENTS High School You should take high school mathematics courses at least through plane geometry and have a solid knowledge of shop mathematics. You should also take English classes to develop the language skills needed to read technical manuals and instructions and to follow detailed maintenance procedures. Top Cable Companies by Subscriber Count:
Postsecondary Training Although training beyond high school is not required, many employers prefer to hire applicants with an electronics background or people who have had some technical training. Technical training in electronics technology or communications technology is available through both one- and two-year programs at community colleges, trade schools, and technical institutes. Two-year programs provide hands- on training and include courses that cover the basics of electrical wiring and electronics, broadcasting theory and practice, blueprint and schematic diagram reading, and physics. JONES/NCTI offers online and distance-learning courses for technicians. Certification or Licensing Certification in special skills can be obtained through one-year certification programs at community colleges. Certification classes in specialized technology, such as digital technology, digital compression, and fiber optics, prepare students to work with the more advanced technologies commonly used in many cable television systems. Because cable technology is evolving so rapidly, students who learn new technology have better chances at employment, and once hired, they have better chances for advancement. All workers are encouraged to continue training throughout their careers to learn new technology, new equipment, and new methods. Professional associations, such as the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE), also offer training programs and certification in areas, such as broadband communications technology. Examinations for certification are offered in different areas of cable technology including video and audio signals and systems, signal processing centers, terminal devices, and data networking and architecture. The Telecommunications Industry Association offers a certification program for technicians working in convergence technologies and the International Association for Radio, Telecommunications and Electromagnetics offers certification for technicians employed in the telecommunications industry. Other Requirements You’ll need mechanical aptitude, physical agility, the ability to work at heights or in confined spaces, and the capacity to work as part of a team. Acute vision, with no color-perception deficiency, is needed, as it is essential for analyzing cable reception. In addition, it is helpful to feel at ease in using electrical equipment and electricians’ tools. “I have a desire for knowledge,” John Manito says about the personal qualities that make him good at his work, “and a dedication to perfection. And I’m detail oriented.” You’ll have much public contact, so you’ll need good people skills. You must be helpful and courteous. You may need to explain cable system operations and costs to customers, answer questions, and analyze customer descriptions of problems so repairs and other work can be done. The ability to communicate well with others is essential. EXPLORING Because of the special training required, rarely are any part-time or summer technician jobs available for high school students. However, educational seminars are offered by local cable television personnel across the country; these are available to interested student groups and can be arranged through a school guidance counselor or teacher. These presentations provide valuable career information and an opportunity to speak with cable technicians and their employers about the field. For more information about these seminars, contact the SCTE for the name and address of the nearest local chapter. Those interested in this career can explore electronics or related activities such as building a shortwave radio set or repairing radios and televisions, and participate in science clubs that emphasize electronics. EMPLOYERS Approximately 162,000 telecommunications line installers and repairers are employed in the United States. Cable television technicians work for cable-TV companies in large cities and small towns. Some smaller towns may have only one cable provider, while there may be more than one in large cities. Technicians may work for a locally owned company or for the local office of a large, national corporation, such as Cox Communications. The company may offer services in addition to cable television, such as Internet access and local telephone service. STARTING OUT Two ways to enter this field are as an unskilled installer and move up after receiving on-the-job training or to complete an electronics or telecommunications program in a technical school or through the SCTE and start work as an electronics technician or cable television technician. Many times, recruiters from various companies visit technical schools or hold job fairs in which they interview students for positions that begin immediately after training has been completed. Students can also check with their schools’ career services office for postings by employers or to get leads on companies that are hiring. State employment offices and classified ads are other good sources of job leads. Interested persons also can apply directly to a cable television company or contractor. ADVANCEMENT Most companies provide on-the-job training, including classes in basic technical and troubleshooting skills, basic electronics, and electronics in reference to the cable television business, parts of the cable television system, installation, and safety practices. Stu dents who have already received technical training usually are able to advance into more highly skilled positions more quickly than those who require extensive training. Many cable television technicians start out as installers or repairers and then move into technical positions, such as line technician, service technician, and bench technician. Workers with a strong industrial background, advanced training in electronics, and several years of experience can advance to supervisory and administrative positions, such as technical super visor, headend technician, chief technician, lead technician, and plant manager. Workers also can advance to the position of chief engineer with additional training. Chief engineers are responsible for cable systems design, equipment planning, specification of standards for equipment and material, layout for cable communications networks, and technical advice to technicians and system operating managers. A degree in electrical engineering or a related field is required to be a chief engineer. “I hope to remain a field-oriented person,” John Manito says, “in either the cable or telecommunications industry. More and more, I see that this is the area where you can never become obsolete.” EARNINGS According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the mean annual pay for nonsupervisory cable and other pay television installers and repairers was $38,800 in 2006 for full-time work. Salaries, however, vary based on the type of job done, an employee’s experience and education, and the company’s location. At the low end of the pay scale, 10 percent of all line installers and repairers had annual earnings of less than $24,700 annually, while at the high end, 10 percent earned more than $68,220. Cable television technicians may receive a variety of benefits, depending on their employer. The benefits can include any of the following: paid holidays, vacations, and sick days; personal days; medical, dental, and life insurance; profit-sharing plans; 401(k) plans; retirement and pension plans; and educational assistance programs. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work is moderately heavy, involving occasional lifting of up to SO pounds. A large part of the cable television technician’s time is spent on ladders and poles or in confined or underground spaces. These activities require care and precision. As with all maintenance work around conductors, there is some danger of electrical shock. The coaxial cables used to transmit television signals are from one-half inch to over one inch in diameter. Cables have to be manipulated into position for splicing, which involves medium to heavy physical work. Normal working hours are a five-day, 40-hour week, although technicians may often need to work evenings or weekends to make necessary repairs. Some technicians work in shifts, working four 10-hour days a week. Many technicians, especially line technicians, are on call 24 hours a day and carry pagers. They may be called in for special repairs or in emergency situations. Technicians working in the field work in all kinds of weather. Their work involves extensive driving. Most companies provide a company vehicle, tools, equipment, and sometimes uniforms. “A job in the field is very demanding,” John Manito says. “Not just physically, but intellectually and emotionally. It can be very stressful. Maintaining a system requires real dedication and perseverance and can consume a great deal of time and energy.” OUTLOOK Employment for cable television technicians is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through 2014, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Despite this prediction, there should continue to be openings for new technicians as existing technicians retire. Cable companies will continue to need technicians to install additional fiber optic cables, work with new technologies that increase cable line capacities and capabilities, and maintain the systems. Those with strong technical skills should have the best employment opportunities. Growth will be tempered by an increasing trend toward the use of wireless technology and satellite technology, as well as productivity gains that will allow fewer employees to do more work. FOR MORE INFORMATION For technician training course information, contact Jones/NCTI 9697 East Mineral Avenue Centennial, CO 80112-3408 Tel: 866-575-7206 For information on certification, contact International Association for Radio, Telecommunications and Electromagnetics 840 Queen Street New Bern, NC 28560-4856 Tel: 800-89-NARTE For information on careers and the cable industry, contact National Cable and Telecommunications Association 25 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 100 Washington, DC 20001-1434 Tel: 202-222-2300 For information on careers, educational programs, educational seminars, distance learning, and certification, contact Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers 140 Philips Road Exton, PA 19341-13 18 Tel: 800-542-5040 Email: scte@scte.org For information on certification, contact Telecommunications Industry Association 2500 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 300 Arlington, VA 22201-3834 Tel: 703-907-7700 For information about conferences, special programs, careers, and membership, contact: Women in Cable Telecommunications 14555 Avion Parkway, Suite 250 Chantilly, VA 20151-1117 Tel: 703-234-9810 PREV: Introduction Also see: College Professors, Telecommunications |