Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 1 (3%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 3 (10%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 26 (87%)

• Complete reports related to project status, progress, or other work details, using computer software.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Read work orders, blueprints, plans, datasheets or site drawings to determine work to be done.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Take site survey photos or photos of work performed, using digital cameras.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Locate tower sites where work is to be performed, using mapping software.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Inspect completed work to ensure all hardware is tight, antennas are level, hangers are properly fastened, proper support is in place, or adequate weather proofing has been installed.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Run appropriate power, ground, or coaxial cables.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Test operation of tower transmission components, using sweep testing tools or software.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Install all necessary transmission equipment components, including antennas or antenna mounts, surge arrestors, transmission lines, connectors, or tower-mounted amplifiers (TMAs).Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Replace existing antennas with new antennas as directed.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Bolt equipment into place, using hand or power tools.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Install, connect, or test underground or aboveground grounding systems.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Check antenna positioning to ensure specified azimuths or mechanical tilts and adjust as necessary.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Transport equipment to work sites, using utility trucks and equipment trailers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Climb towers to access components, using safety equipment, such as full-body harnesses.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Climb communication towers to install, replace, or repair antennas or auxiliary equipment used to transmit and receive radio waves.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Lift equipment into position, using cranes and rigging tools or equipment, such as gin poles.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Perform maintenance or repair work on existing tower equipment, using hand or power tools.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Install or repair tower lighting components, including strobes, beacons, or lighting controllers.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Calibrate and align components, using scales, gauges, and other measuring instruments.Little or no AI speed-up
• Examine malfunctioning radio equipment to locate defects such as loose connections, broken wires, or burned-out components, using schematic diagrams and test equipment.Little or no AI speed-up
• Insert plugs into receptacles and bolt or screw leads to terminals to connect equipment to power sources, using hand tools.Little or no AI speed-up
• Install, adjust, and repair stationary and mobile radio transmitting and receiving equipment and two-way radio communication systems.Little or no AI speed-up
• Monitor radio range stations to detect transmission flaws and adjust controls to eliminate flaws.Little or no AI speed-up
• Mount equipment on transmission towers and in vehicles such as ships or ambulances.Little or no AI speed-up
• Remove and replace defective components and parts such as conductors, resistors, semiconductors, and integrated circuits, using soldering irons, wire cutters, and hand tools.Little or no AI speed-up
• Repair circuits, wiring, and soldering, using soldering irons and hand tools to install parts and adjust connections.Little or no AI speed-up
• Test batteries, using hydrometers and ammeters, and charge batteries as necessary.Little or no AI speed-up
• Test emergency transmitters to ensure their readiness for immediate use.Little or no AI speed-up
• Test equipment functions such as signal strength and quality, transmission capacity, interference, and signal delay, using equipment such as oscilloscopes, circuit analyzers, frequency meters, and wattmeters.Little or no AI speed-up
• Turn setscrews to adjust receivers for maximum sensitivity and transmitters for maximum output.Little or no AI speed-up