Post-5G slowdown: AI and automation are reshaping India's telecom workforce, hiring trends

India's telecom sector is transitioning from labour-intensive 5G network deployment to AI, cloud-based infrastructure, and automation, leading to a slowdown in hiring for routine network roles and an increased demand for tech specialists. Major operators like Reliance Jio have reduced workforce counts while Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea increased their employees, with a shift towards micro-entrepreneurship models and third-party contracts.

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