Will AI And Automation Lead To Telco Job Cuts?
Telecom TV, Thursday, January 23rd, 2025
For years it's been the question that many have wanted to dodge: Will the increasing use of AI and introduction of associated automation at network operators lead directly to headcount reductions at telcos?
With financial pressures weighing heavily on the telco community, finding ways to improve productivity and cut costs is increasingly important and AI looks like a way to potentially achieve both goals. So far, few telcos have addressed the relationship between AI-enabled automation and their staffing requirements, though there are exceptions: When in 2023 BT Group announced its long-term headcount plans, it noted that of the job cuts it expects to make by the end of this decade, 10,000 roles will be affected by 'digitisation, automation. using technology to do things much more efficiently'. Philip Jansen, who was BT's CEO at the time, specifically discussed the expected impact of AI on staffing requirements - see BT to cut up to 55,000 jobs in AI-enabled efficiency drive.