Blog
Soazic works as a Datacom Technician at Elia
From PDH E1 and SDH to Ethernet and DWDM: Datacom Technicians are surrounded by technical jargon. The Datacom team works hard every day to provide Elia with a reliable and error-proof communication platform. This team’s responsibilities include fixed, mobile and satellite phones, security technology, monitoring of high-voltage substations and communication with other partner companies. Meet Datacom Technician Soazic.
In the driver's seat to guarantee a high-performing datacom network
“Together with my colleagues, I am responsible for maintaining Elia’s datacom technologies, such as glass fibres, copper cables, modems, PDH E1, Ethernet and DWDM. Every day, I get behind the wheel of my service vehicle to help restore and expand a datacom network to ensure that everyone within Elia and all external stakeholders have a functioning and reliable network. Each of us in the team is responsible for a specific region. I myself take care of the province of Namur, dealing with the high-voltage substations, service centres, dispatching offices and data centres there.”
Passion for telecommunications
“A passion for telecommunications and new technologies is key to being good at this job. I’ve been interested in these things since I was young, when I enjoyed delving into scientific questions and complex technical issues. My Master’s degree in electrical engineering and fascinating internship with the French railways (although I am French, I have lived in Belgium for about 10 years) mean that I have a solid theoretical background. At Elia, I can put that knowledge to full practical use. Exchanging technical knowledge with colleagues from other departments is simply the icing on the cake.”
A job full of challenges
“I began working at Elia in 2007, where I immediately took on the role of Datacom Technician. Since then, I have had many exciting days at work, days full of often surprising technical challenges to solve. For example, it was all hands on deck for our entire team during summer 2021, when extreme flooding in Wallonia left three high-voltage substations in the province of Liège under water. We worked with the local distribution operators to rapidly come up with solutions, which included a local network supplied via another route. Though rare, such extreme situations demonstrate how challenging our work can be.”
Feet on the ground
“Having both feet on the ground every day means that I am constantly learning. This is vital, because data technology is evolving at lightning speed. We also have our hands full repairing and upgrading outdated installations. I am surrounded by fantastic colleagues with whom I enjoy sharing work information and tips. By doing so, we enhance each other’s knowledge and keep our fingers on the pulse of new developments in our field of work.”
Safety is a top priority
“If you want to be a successful Datacom Technician, you need to be able to work accurately and have an eye for detail, in addition to having a passion for telecommunications and technology. This is crucial when carrying out repairs, as safety is a top priority at Elia. This safety culture is part of our company DNA, and as colleagues we often challenge each other on possible unsafe work situations. This always happens in an open and constructive atmosphere.
“Besides working accurately and safely, the ability to quickly analyse complex situations is also an important asset in our job. Incidentally, as I already have several years of professional experience, I consider this one of my strengths.”
