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AT&T Has Cut Over 139,000 Jobs Since 2017 As It Spins Off DIRECTV, Warner Bros. & Leans Into AI
The US telecom industry continues its dramatic downsizing trend as AT&T cut over 9,000 employees in 2024. This wave of layoffs comes amidst a backdrop of technological advancements, increasing automation, and a relentless focus on cost efficiency.
AT&T, led by CEO John Stankey, has been particularly aggressive in its workforce reduction strategy. Since taking the helm in 2020, Stankey has overseen a significant decrease in employee numbers. The company, which once boasted a workforce of 280,000 in 2017 (including the then-pending Time Warner acquisition), now employs just 141,000 people. This latest round of 9,500 job cuts follows a pattern of downsizing that began after the company’s ill-fated acquisition of Time Warner in 2018, according to a report from Light Reading.
This all results in 139,000 fewer people working for AT&T since 2017.
While acknowledging the role of AI in driving efficiency, Stankey has emphasized that the technology is not solely responsible for the job losses. He points to other factors, such as the spin-off of WarnerMedia in 2022, which resulted in the immediate removal of 30,000 positions from AT&T’s books.
AI and Automation: The Driving Force Behind Job Losses
While both companies cite various reasons for the job cuts, the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in the telecom industry is undeniable. These technologies are transforming the way telecom companies operate, enabling them to automate tasks, improve customer service, and optimize network performance with fewer employees.
Stankey, who has expressed enthusiasm for the emergence of lower-cost AI, highlighted its potential to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. He emphasized that AI is not just replacing jobs but also making existing employees more effective. AT&T is utilizing AI in various areas, including customer service, network optimization, and even code writing.
The Impact on Workers and the Future of the Telecom Industry
These widespread job cuts raise concerns about the future of work in the telecom sector and the impact on displaced employees. While AI and automation offer numerous benefits for businesses, they also pose challenges for workers whose skills may become obsolete.
The telecom industry’s increasing reliance on technology and the resulting downsizing trend underscore the need for workers to adapt and acquire new skills to remain competitive in the evolving job market. As AI and automation continue to reshape the industry, the ability to leverage these technologies will become increasingly crucial for both companies and employees.
The future of the telecom workforce will likely be characterized by a greater emphasis on specialized skills, digital literacy, and the ability to work alongside AI-powered systems. While the transition may be challenging, it also presents opportunities for workers to upskill and contribute to the industry’s ongoing transformation. This also comes as AT&T and others are focusing more on their core business.
