Becoming a Freelance Telecommunications Engineer

What does a freelance telecommunications engineer do?

A telecommunication engineer, or telecoms engineer for short, will install broadband, mobile and landline phone networks, as well as work on satellite, digital TV and fibre optic systems.

Typical day-to-day tasks might include:

• Setting up mobile, communications and data networks
• Repairing lines and equipment on mobile masts and antennae
• Laying and then testing underground and underfloor cabling
• Designing/building/testing components and equipment

What qualifications and skills do I need to become a freelance telecommunications engineer?

Those wanting to get into the sector will usually go down the university/college or apprenticeship route.

You will need to have an undergraduate degree in engineering or computer science or you can gain the relevant qualifications, plus experience, by working as an apprenticeship.

There will be certain skills required to become a good telecoms engineer – these include:

• Having an analytical mindset with good attention to detail
• Being good at maths
• Having knowledge in broadcasting and telecommunications, as well as computer operating systems, hardware and software.

Benefits of becoming a freelance telecommunications engineer

There are so many benefits to joining the self-employed sector, with the financial aspect and increased flexibility usually top of the list for the majority of people.

Financially, there’s the fact that their rates of pay are often much higher compared to their permanent counterparts.

Not only that, but self-employed professionals are also able to take advantage of claiming back on expenses made for the running of their business, which will in turn reduce their tax bill at the end of each year.

For more information on expenses, read our Sole Trader Expenses and Subsistence Expenses pages.

There are many people who are now making sure that they prioritise their work/life balance, which is another reason why the self-employment route is so appealing as it’s perfect for giving you more freedom and flexibility compared to an employee – you’ll be able to choose the clients you want to work with, as well as picking the hours and days that you want to work.

For more information on what you can gain from self-employment, read our Benefits of Contracting page.

Do I need an accountant?

There are some who believe that hiring an accountant is a luxury, but a good accountant can be an essential tool and a great asset to your business – not only will they help you to keep on top of your financial liabilities and deadlines, but they’ll also be able to provide financial advice that could save you money in the long-term.

Just be sure to choose an accountant who:

• Specialises in contractor tax
• Has qualifications
• Has a good reputation
• Offers a fixed monthly amount so you avoid any surprise bills!

Read our Choosing a Contractor Accountant page for more help and advice on hiring the best accountant for you.

We hope you found this page helpful. If you have any further questions, our team of experts are available to answer any queries, so give us a call on 01442 795 100 or email jaime.thorpe@dolanaccountancy.com. Alternatively, contact us via live chat.