Telecommunications?

[funkihamsta]

Been in IT/ecommerce for a few years and to be honest l am more interested in the networking/comms side. Now that telecommunications and computer networks are essentially blurring into one entity, l am interested in getting to know the field better.

Can anyone recommend telecommunication courses/ qualifications to start me off?

[lemmonie]

DONT DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[PetrolTed]

That's helpful

[dans]

I'd look at getting certified on one of the IP telephony systems - Avaya/Mitel/Cisco for example. that will blur the lines between IP and telecoms nicely and also provide a qualification towards getting employment. Comstor in Cirencester do great Cisco IP telephony training and it is broader than that of the others as id is part of their AVVID Voice/Video/Audio/Data methodology.

[obiwonkeyblokey]

CCNA and CCNP are always a good start

[funkihamsta]

Thanks, have always wanted to do the Cisco stuff so good to know its all in the same vein. Lemmonie, why not??

[vex]

Little money in the industry.

Lots of players chasing few projects. I have heard of installers doing projects at below cost, just to keep ticking over.

Lots of redundant network people. Lots with Cisco certs etc.

You have to be very good to stand out from the crowd

[funkihamsta]

Thanks Vex.
Odd that thought isn't it? Sure the greater inconnectivity of systems requires more telecoms peeps??

[vex]

The thing is that most major builds / rebuilds have happened and only a few happen each year.

It has gone the same way a cable tv, lots of fun 10-5 years ago but the money dried up and lots of companies folded or just survived enough to chase what little business there is.

Think about it really hard before you do it, having said that there really is nothing like working in an industry you genuinely enjoy.

[agent006]

CCIE. Although few things beat experience.

[dans]

6 Months ago I'd have agreed with Vex, now I'm not so sure. business is growing, things like BT moving to IP will be huge and then there is the growth in core networks to support the additional xDSL customers, I'd say it was for the first time in years a good time to enter telecoms with a networking background....

[vex]

I don't disagree, but the price / value has been erroded because of the fall in business.

Fortunately we have seen some errosion in equipment price to help us, but I don't think it will ever fully recover.