A telephone installer is a telecommunications professional who specializes in the installations of telephone wiring, telephone systems, and telephones. People in this profession can work for the phone company, or for private companies which provide telecommunications installations and assistance. Training can be provided through trade or technical school or on the job experience, and employment prospects vary, depending on where someone is interested in working.
Telephone installers perform tasks like connecting new structures to the telephone system, installing phone jacks, setting up phone-based alarm systems, installing phone systems such as switchboards, programming phone systems, and laying wire. They are also involved in the maintenance and repair of phone systems, and they perform upgrades to existing systems which need to be updated. They can also do things like switching phone numbers so that people can keep their numbers when they move, setting up DSL, and replacing damaged wiring.
Inspection of phone systems is usually performed by a telephone installer who can identify weak points and issues which need to be addressed, in addition to making recommendations for upgrades or modifications which could make a system more effective. They can also make recommendations to architects and engineers who are designing new buildings, to ensure that phone systems can be easily integrated into the building and that room will be left for maintenance and upgrades.
An average day in the life of a telephone installer starts early, as he or she arrives at work and is given a list of assignments. Phone installers usually drive vans or trucks which hold necessary equipment for telephone installations, and they need to check their vehicles to make sure that they are properly equipped for the day's tasks before setting off. They usually remain in touch with the main office to communicate about the progress of various jobs and to coordinate with other phone installers or people such as electricians who may need to be consulted during an installation.
Employment as a telephone installer requires excellent skills with phone systems, an ability to work independently while maintaining a schedule, and good people skills. Phone installers need to work with a wide variety of people, including customers, other telecommunications professionals, and people involved in the installation of related systems. Good communications skills can be important, especially when a telephone installer is working with a customer who is not very familiar with phone systems, and may need instruction or assistance.