Satellite communication companies are always interested in talking to qualified candidates. While many of the jobs in communication satellites are commissioned based sales jobs, installation and administrative positions, there are other opportunities in satellite communication company management that are best achieved with additional satellite communications training. Educational opportunities are available to candidates who want to advance their career in satellite transmissions.

Consider a degree in business to get you started and add satellite communication equipment professional development courses through other satellite communication companies, training centers and trade groups. Take advantage of every satellite communications company training course or seminar to fatten your resume. Watch for training for satellite communications in a number of places.

1. Watch satellite communications technician job boards

2. Participate in satellite communication business,trade groups

3. Ask for guidance from satellite information experts

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look for training from satellite communications systems websites

While you are job hunting, or doing your regular industry news updates research, keep an eye out for the trends that are leading the industry to point you to the training that you need to meet the demands of the times. Consider the requirements of the jobs you might like to pursue and find out what certificates or training you can get to make yourself a desirable candidate.

I recommend: Get beginner and advanced training through the many classes offered by AOTMP University. You can take online training or bring in the instructors to train your staff from the courses offered from Eno.

Join satellite communication company associations for training

Most trade associations offer continuing education and professional development courses for their members. Some groups can guide you to special certification courses that will help you advance your career while offering events and meetings at which you can meet other professionals and find out about other training options.

I recommend: Join the Society of Satellite Professionals for a number of educational training opportunities as well as networking and meeting seminars at which you can participate. Get involved in any number of training courses and learning environments through the AFCEA.

Find out information about satellite communication training from a mentor

Whether you can relate to a good manager who might take you on for mentoring, or you seek out a professional in a trade group or other professional association, follow the advice when you're pointed to special training opportunities. Often a designation or degree can make all the difference when you are looking to advance.

I recommend: Check out the satellite training videos available from Deja View. Eogogics has a vast number of courses that you can take to advance your career and enhance your job skills.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Talk to your employer about what kinds of satellite transmission training they will either pay or reimburse you for, including membership fees in trade associations.

Satellite communications offer businesses a reliable communications option. What used to be a necessity only for remote access locations is now a smart communication solution for all businesses. Stable connections and high speed satellite communications are essential.

Satellite communication companies use geostationary communication satellites orbiting the earth providing satellite transmission of audio, video and data signals. Because they are not dependent upon cell towers or other land devices, communication satellites offer a viable communication option in areas where telecommunications infrastructure is not available. For this reason, satellite communication systems provide dependable communication in emergency situations when communication is critical.

Before investing in satellite communications, do some research to answer the following questions:

1. How will satellite communications improve my business? What kind of satellite communication best meets my business needs?

2. What kind of service options are available from satellite communication companies? What should I look for in a satellite communication company?

3. Are satellite communications a smart investment for my business? How much do satellite communication systems cost?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Determine what type of satellite communication systems and options best meet your business needs

There are a variety of satellite communication options available to improve business communication. To determine which type of satellite communication system meets your communication needs, evaluate your preferred manner of communication, the geographic area needing satellite coverage and the desired frequency range. Look for low maintenance options; plan for future growth and network scalability.

I recommend: SkyWave offers a variety of information about satellite communication and devices providing dependable, low-cost solutions for fixed and mobile communication. HughesNet provides two-way high-speed satellite Internet connection services, enabling businesses to send and receive Internet data via satellites. LiveOnSite offers innovative mobile satellite communication solutions with their SKYBUS and SKYVAN vehicles. Get information about satellite communication, and research flyaway systems, vehicle-based systems, subsystems and fixed earth stations at Advent Communications.

Evaluate service, maintenance and installation services offered by satellite communication companies

Your satellite communication company is responsible for ensuring the availability of full-time satellite communications equipment. Satellite communication services vary by supplier. Ask about installation, maintenance and upgrade services provided by each vendor.

I recommend: BAF Satellite and Technology Corporation provides a diverse range of services, including mobile satellite equipment and satellite network design, implementation and integration. Brand Communications offers satellite mobile data support services including installation, troubleshooting, training and consulting. Comtech Mobile Data Corporation provides 24/7 customer service with a toll free number.

Compare prices between several satellite communication companies

Look for a satellite communications equipment provider with access stations around the globe to ensure stability and growth. Be an educated consumer, and compare prices between several satellite communications vendors. Request a written quote of services included with the satellite communication solution.

I recommend: Contact MSS for custom satellite design services to meet your specific business communication needs. Invest in satellite terminals providing reliable burst-messaging satellite communications from SkyWave. Purchase high-speed satellite communication Internet plans from HughesNet.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When considering the location for satellite communications systems, make sure the satellite antenna has an unobstructed path to the southern skies. This provides a clear signal and reduces the need for future service calls to a satellite communications technician.
• •  When comparing quotes between satellite communication vendors, factor in installation fees. Some satellite communication providers charge installation fees that cost as much as the satellite communication equipment.

Satellite communication companies change with the times. As the landscape surrounding communication satellites continues to evolve, following technological and financial forces, you have to keep up with information about satellite communication to remain competitive and make sure you’re getting the most up to date information. If you work in the industry, satellite communication systems should be followed closely so that you can make the best presentations and know what your competitors are doing.

Follow the trends that are affecting communications satellites in a variety of ways. Read satellite communication company publications that can keep you updated with news and information. Subscribe to white papers and satellite communications articles. Take advantage of satellite communications technician trade groups that keep members apprised of news and trends. Look for satellite communications news and trends in a number of ways.

1. Get email alerts and satellite communication business newsletters

2. Participate in associations for satellite communication companies

3. Subscribe to magazines for satellite information

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Receive news alerts on satellite communications systems

Set up a separate email account to get email alerts, RSS feeds and industry newsletters that will send you news as it happens, the latest trend pieces and information about what the major industry players are up to. Check this email daily so you don't miss out on important news.

I recommend: Get a free subscription to SAT Magazine to read reports of industry trends and how they affect your business. You’ll find regular updates and in-depth reports on the news site of Media Biz.

Join satellite communication company groups

Association with other professionals in the same field will provide you with an inside track to news, often before it hits the press. Get involved with your trade association and take advantage of the networking opportunities to develop relationships as well as the group's newsletters and communication vehicles.

I recommend: Keep up with the headlines through the information resources at the World Teleport Association. The National Association of Broadcasters keeps up with all the satellite communications news as it is so intricately entwined with the effects of news and changes.

Read about the latest information on communication satellites

Take time to read in-depth reports and magazines that cover the industry further than the headlines. Often the best information that can help drive your own business decisions comes from investigative reporting and research articles that take a deeper look into industry issues.

I recommend: Broadcasting & Cable covers the business and technology side of the television industry, including satellite TV. Telecom Web is a great source for industry updates about emerging issues that affect the business of satellite communications.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Encourage your staff to read publications and websites that can bring even more information about satellite communication. Make it fun by giving a prize to the team member who comes up with the best news tidbit each month.

Satellite communications is a field that's changing constantly. As digital technology becomes more popular, satellite communications offer more opportunity. Satellites once were something only the government used, and then satellite television became popular. Now satellite communications include mobile satellite systems and even Internet in places where dial-up used to be the only option. To fully understand what's available through satellite communications, there are some key terms to study, such as flyaway systems and bandwidth.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Satellite terminals

Satellite terminals allow you to connect to broadband Internet service no matter where you are.

I recommend: Spaceway shares details about the mobile satellite terminal provided by Hughes.

Satellite broadband

Broadband allows you to connect to the Internet via a satellite instead of connecting via a phone line (dial up), digital subscriber line (DSL) or cable. Most people with a broadband Internet connection obtain it because they live within a certain distance of a phone center. However, people who live in rural areas and still want broadband can connect via satellite.

I recommend: Satellite Signals offers detailed information about broadband Internet via satellite. You can also read about broadband on wiseGEEK.

Mobile satellite

If you're on the go, mobile satellite technology can help. Mobile satellite is exactly what it sounds like: satellite technology that's mobile. Most commonly, the satellite and all other required equipment is hooked up inside a vehicle.

I recommend: LiveOnSite explains its role in mobile satellite broadcast systems operations. Read about mobile satellite Internet at Mobil Satellite Technologies.

Flyaway systems

Flyaway systems are similar to mobile satellite technology except they're even more portable. While mobile satellite technology is mounted in a vehicle, flyaway units are mounted onto shippable waterproof cases. That means you can have the benefits of satellite in places where even a vehicle can't go.

I recommend: Advent Communications discusses the benefits of flyaway systems when used during satellite news-gathering.

Digital broadcasting, digital video broadcasting

Gone are the days of analog television; digital broadcasting is the new standard. With satellite communications, digital video broadcasting produces audio and video that's crisp and clean.

I recommend: BAF Satellite & Technology was one of the first in the industry to pursue digital broadcasting. Get more information from the DVB Project that provides information on the consortium of broadcasters, software developers and regulatory entities.

Bandwidth

Satellite communications involves sending and receiving digital information. The frequency range of the device that sends and receives is the bandwidth.

I recommend: DejaView.Com defines bandwidth in its satellite glossary. About.com also has a good explanation of bandwidth.