I have recently been inspired to convey my thoughts after participating in a field ‘ride on’ with Jason: one of Telstra’s CTs (Communication Technicians). For a whole day I accompanied him around the North Western area of Melbourne connecting services and fixing faults. At the beginning I didn’t really know what to expect but after seeing him in action I was simply amazed.

He displayed impressive cognitive and problem solving skills when tracking down and fixing faults. In a single day we went from the exchanges to the pits to the skies; diagnosing, connecting and cutting wires left, right and centre. Some jobs were quite complex, despite the goal being so simple, I mean all we had to do was make sure the line had a dial tone… Yes a dial tone: that series of meaningless repetitive beeps you hear when you pick up your landline telephone (if you still have one that is!).

With modern society moving to a mobile centred culture I think most people often forget the significance of the dial tone. I admit that the sound is a tad bit annoying but after my experience I have come to appreciate that it is more than just a series of meaningless repetitive beeps. It is a vocal symbol, a gateway to the world and a sign of connection that provides a unique tranquillity of knowing that the voice of a loved one or that of an old friend can be merely seconds away.

Overall entire experience was simply fantastic. The next time you see a CT; I hope you thank them and take solace in knowing that he or she is working hard to connect people together. So this is my salute to you Jason, the Telstra CT Fleet and all the unsung heroes out there. Constantly working in the background to ensure we have the services that we take for granted every day. Even though you may occasionally go unnoticed, please know that you will always be respected by me and similar minded people.

• Intersted in a career at Telstra? Check out our Graduate Program for 2013.