Overview
Digital Communications and Wireless Technologies is a two-year program that prepares students for careers in the data and wireless/radio frequency (RF) telecommunications industries. Digital communications is the transfer and reception of data in the form of a digital bitstream or a digitized analog signal transmitted over a point-to-point or point-to-multipoint communication channel. Examples of such channels are copper wires, optical fibers, wireless communication using radio spectrum, storage media and computer buses. Graduates of the program are employed as technicians and technical specialists in companies that provide the services, infrastructure and technologies that support these different channels of telecommunication.
The program
The Digital Communications and Wireless Technologies program will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to work in the wide-ranging telecommunications industry. The goal of the program is to touch on all the vital topics needed to produce a well-rounded digital communications professional.
After covering the basic electrical and electronic theory in the first term, the program progresses to Structured Cabling systems, covering various cabling techniques for copper and fiber optic networks, with a particular emphasis on practical skills. Networking concepts are introduced from the basics using modern switches and routers. Advanced networking concepts are taught in the second year, and students are encouraged to take the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Exam upon completion.
In year one, students complete an introductory course on the Linux operating system, followed by a course on the fundamentals and design strategies of voice networks. This leads to a second-year course on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems, which utilizes Mitel telecommunications hardware and solutions. The program also covers Wide Area Network (WAN) design and maintenance, utilizing Computer Aided Design (CAD) to modify Outside Plant (OSP) drawings. During the second year, students are introduced to wireless communications systems. This starts with courses on radio frequency (RF) communication theory and antenna systems used for wireless voice and data networks. Concepts involved in location and GPS systems are taught, which are used for wireless systems location and tracking. The wireless training concludes with a course on practical applications of wireless telecommunication systems in the RF Applications course. The program strongly focuses on digital communications concepts and introduces the Internet of Things (IoT) using Raspberry Pi and the Arduino microcontroller. The program culminates in an IoT project as well as a short industry placement in the form of a practicum.
Skills in the telecommunications industry are in high demand. If you like working with computers and electronic equipment, if you have good analytical skills, and if you want to work in an exciting, dynamic industry, the Digital Communications and Wireless Technologies program can open the door to a variety of exciting careers.
A BCIT diploma shows potential employers that you are accomplished, focused, and serious about your chosen career path. Employers know that you have both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, and that you can start contributing right away. Both graduates and employers say that BCIT was incredibly instrumental in preparing grads for work.
Why BCIT?
Great Faculty – You will learn from experienced instructors with a demonstrated interest in teaching. Our instructors have worked in the industry, and maintain solid local connections through student practicum placements, and through the program advisory committee.
Excellent Labs – Hands-on experience in well equipped electronics labs help you better understand the concepts that you learn, and gives you job-ready, practical skills.
Fantastic Career Choices – You could be working for an end-user of RF equipment doing bench testing, troubleshooting and repair of critical communications equipment. For example, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the RCMP have hired our graduates to keep their communication systems running. You might work for a telecommunications service provider, installing, configuring, and maintaining voice and data communication systems, or entertainment systems based on cable and satellite communications.
Degree Completion – With your BCIT diploma and one year of related work experience, you can enter the Bachelor of Technology Management degree program at BCIT. The Bachelor of Technology Management degree is a part-time program, so you can continue working while you further your education.
Entrance Requirements
If you’re interested in a career as in the telecommunications industry, please review the program details, carefully check the entrance requirements, and then submit your application.
Spend-A-Day with us
Want to learn more about our program before you apply? Come spend-a-day with us. You’ll meet students and instructors, and get a hands-on feel for what the program is about.
If you have questions regarding the entrance requirements or the application process, visit Admission & Registration or if you want to discuss the program in more detail, contact the Department Head at 604.432.8223.
Application processing
Open to applications beginning October 1st (or next business day).
Applications are considered for a specific intake; this program does not carry a wait list from year to year.
Entrance requirements
Applicants must meet all entrance requirements and will be accepted on a first qualified basis as long as space remains. When available intakes are full, qualified applicants are wait-listed.Applicants must meet all entrance requirements prior to applying to this program. If you are uncertain or don’t meet the requirements we strongly recommend you complete any applicable Trades Entry Assessments before applying.
- English language proficiency: Category 3 – English Studies 12 (50%) or equivalent
- Math: one of the following:
- Pre-Calculus 11 (60%) or
- Foundations of Math 11 (60%) or
- Workplace Math 11 (60%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses or
- BCIT Math Trades Entry Assessment
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants. A valid study permit is required prior to starting the program.
Students enrolled in this program must complete the mandatory work component to qualify for graduation. A co-op work permit is required prior to starting the work component.Apply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Scheduled Intakes
September each year.
myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT e-mail addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We'll send you an e-mail when a new message is posted. It's important to watch for these e-mails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
Advanced Placement
Conditions
You may be eligible to apply to an advanced level of the program through direct entry. Please note that applications are considered based on:
- Complete applications: you must show proof that you have completed (or are registered in) all requirements to be considered.
- Competitive entry: if the number of applicants exceeds available seats, BCIT will accept those deemed to have the best opportunity for success.
- Seat availability: confirmation may not be available until approximately one week before the term begins.
Direct entry
If you are new to the program but have completed the BCIT Electronics Technician Common Core Certificate, you may be eligible for direct entry to Term 2 (January start).
BCIT accepts complete applications starting October 1st (or next business day).
Submit the following with your online application:
- Proof of meeting all general entrance requirements
- Proof of completion of the BCIT Electronics Technician Common Core Certificate or an equivalent certificate from another recognized institution
- Course-by-Course Self-Assessment Form [PDF]
Ready to submit your application? Apply now.
Costs & Supplies
Find out how much you will need to complete your Digital Communications and Wireless Technologies Diploma!
The information below will help you determine the cost of taking the program, and will assist you in developing a budget for your two years of study. If you have concerns about being able to afford the program, please visit Financial Aid to learn how you may benefit from financial assistance.
Tuition fees
Use our tuition estimator to find tuition and fees for this program.
For more information on full-time tuition and fees, visit:
Books & supplies
$900 (general estimated cost, and subject to change)
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
Courses
Explore the courses and classes you will be taking!
Your studies will combine classroom work and lectures with practical laboratory sessions designed to reinforce the theory. You will work on the latest equipment, studying the theoretical and practical aspects of RF, data, satellite, navigation and cellular communications systems. You will learn as part of a team, working with other students and with your instructors to solve problems.
Your hands on learning will take place in well-equipped labs such as the telephony lab, the data lab, the RF lab and the cabling lab.
In the data lab, you will have your own workstation to study computer operating systems and data transfer. The lab has its own Ethernet local area network (LAN), a representative wide area network (WAN), CISCO routers for internet routing, and Alcatel bandwidth managers for system performance testing. In the cabling lab, all the latest industry tools used for cable terminations, cable installation and testing cabling systems are available. The telephony lab has Nortel and Mitel systems. The RF lab is also well-equipped with a networked computer, communications monitor, frequency counter and digital DMM in addition to standard electronics bench equipment. Two-way mobile and trunk radios, a wireless LAN, a spread spectrum radio network, a microwave repeater site and a basic cell site are all available to give you hands-on experience with all types of wireless communication equipment.
Studying and learning in a class of only 16 students, you will develop close working relationships and lifelong friendships with your classmates.
You will complete a three-week practicum working as a technician for a local company, gaining experience and employment contacts.
Class hours
0800-1500, Monday through FridayProgram matrix
| Term 1 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| DCOM 1500 | Technical Skills | 6.0 | |
| DCOM 1510 | DC Circuits | 6.0 | |
| DCOM 1520 | AC Circuits | 6.0 | |
| DCOM 1530 | Analog Electronics | 6.0 | |
| DCOM 1540 | Digital Electronics | 6.0 | |
| Term 2 (20 weeks) | Credits | ||
| DCOM 1550 | Network Essentials | 6.0 | |
| DCOM 1560 | Structured Cabling | 8.0 | |
| DCOM 2500 | Telecommunications Essentials | 6.0 | |
| DCOM 2510 | RF Principles 1 | 6.0 | |
| DCOM 2520 | Routing and Wireless Networks | 6.0 | |
| DCOM 2530 | Linux Fundamentals | 4.0 | |
| DCOM 2540 | Voice Networks | 4.0 | |
| Term 3 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
| DCOM 2550 | Professional Skills | 4.0 | |
| DCOM 3500 | Enterprise Networking and Security | 6.0 | |
| DCOM 3510 | RF Principles 2 | 8.0 | |
| DCOM 3520 | Transmission Lines and Antennas | 6.0 | |
| DCOM 3530 | Navigation and Location | 6.0 | |
| Term 4 (20 weeks) | Credits | ||
| DCOM 2560 | Fiber Optics and Telecommunications Design | 8.0 | |
| DCOM 3540 | VoIP Systems | 6.0 | |
| DCOM 4500 | Wide Area Network Design and Maintenance | 4.0 | |
| DCOM 4510 | Managing Connected Devices | 6.0 | |
| DCOM 4520 | RF Applications | 10.0 | |
| DCOM 4530 | Practicum | 4.0 | |
| Total Credits: | 138.0 | ||
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
Program Details
Students in the Digital Communications and Wireless Technology program learn the theory, standards, measurement instruments, test equipment and standard practices of the telecommunications industry. As a student in the program, you will learn to:
- Install, program, configure, maintain and repair telephone switches and systems
- Install, administer, maintain and diagnose faults in data transmission systems
- Install, test and repair fiber optic and high-speed local area network (LAN) cables
- Install, configure, test and document data communication systems and navigation systems
- Maintain, evaluate the performance of, and troubleshoot radio frequency (RF) communication systems
- Understand digital cellular communication systems
- Use, calibrate and maintain industry standard tools and test equipment
- Bench test, isolate faults and repair RF equipment
- Communicate effectively with customers and co-workers
Program length
Two years, full-timeProgram delivery
In person: This program is delivered on campus.
Program location
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
Graduating & Jobs
Explore the exceptional career opportunities in Telecommunications!
What’s in it for you?
A rewarding job as a Technician
Your BCIT diploma opens the door to an exciting career as a technician – a technical expert who works in a team to solve problems, and is relied upon to install, configure, maintain, and repair electronic equipment.
An edge in the job market
A BCIT diploma shows potential employers that you are accomplished, focused, and serious about your chosen career path. Employers know that you have both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, and that you can immediately start contributing. Both graduates and employers say that BCIT was incredibly instrumental in preparing grads for work.
A broad range of employment possibilities
The job market for telecommunications technicians is strong. As a graduate of the program, you will have opportunities with large and small companies in a variety of roles. Most graduates start out in hands-on technical roles and there are many opportunities to move into technical sales or managerial roles if you are interested.
Some of the many employers of BCIT Digital Communications and Wireless Technologies graduates include:
Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Our instructors are committed to keeping their skills current, and regularly attend advanced training courses.
You will also learn from people who are active in local industry. Guest lecturers introduce the latest technology, and are available to answer your questions.
The advisory board of industry experts meets biannually to review the program focus and content, ensuring that our program and your skills are up-to-date.
Faculty
Dave Hogg, DiplT, PID, MA, AScT
Department Head
Tel: 604-432-8223
Email: dave_hogg@bcit.ca
Rick Davidson, DiplT, PID, Med, AScT
Tel: 604-431-4949
Email: rdavidson2@bcit.ca
Mike Lowe, DiplT, PID
Tel: 604-412-7464
Email: mlowe16@bcit.ca
Blair Thompson-Jendrysek, DipT, PID
Tel: 604-456-8157
Email: blair_thompson@bcit.ca
Gareth Williams
Tel: 604-432-8458
Email: gareth_williams@bcit.ca
Len Worley, DipT, PID, MEd
Tel: 604-412-7528
Email: leonard_worley@bcit.ca
Staff
Paul Morrison, BEng, AScT
Interim Associate Dean
Tel: 604-451-7075
Email: paul_morrison@bcit.ca
Mary-Anne Pangan
Administrative Assistant
Tel: 604-456-8052
Email: maryanne_pangan@bcit.ca
Advisory committee
Jeff Brown
Head of Canadian Operations, Zayo
Darren Hamaoki
Customer Service Technician, Mackay Communications Inc
C/M Jason A. Jaschinsky
A/Director Information Technology, RCMP “E” Division
Jason Krause
General Manager, OSP, OBS, Greenfield Build, Wireless, Ledcor Technical Services
Jeff Lewis
President & General Manager, 4th Utility Inc.
Colin Leyh
Field Services Supervisor, Shaw Communications
Quincy Mittertreiner
Retired, Formerly NEC Canada, Inc
Doug Peterson
Manager, MDT Technical Services, Inc.
Ralph Ryan
Service Manager, BC Communications Inc.
Craig Sexton
Manager, TELUS Wireless Implementation and Operations
Benjamin Staggs
Marine Services Manager BC, Mackay Marine Canada
Contact Us
Spend-A-Day with us
Want to learn more about our program before you apply? Come spend-a-day with us. You’ll meet students and instructors, and get a hands-on feel for what the program is about.
If you want to discuss the program in more detail, contact the Department Head at 604.453.4089.
Questions or comments?
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