AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile should pay attention: a telco is about to cut more than 40,000 jobs because of AI
While artificial intelligence makes some folks filthy rich, it also makes some extremely worried they'll lose their jobs. And for some 40,000 – or more! – employees of a certain telecom company, the latter option might just become reality in the coming years.
The Financial Times is casting a light on BT Group – the major telecommunications company based in the United Kingdom, which provides a wide range of services including broadband, mobile, fixed-line, and digital television. BT Group operates in both consumer and business markets and also offers network infrastructure services through its Openreach division, which manages much of the UK's broadband and telephone network. In recent years, the company has focused on modernizing its operations, investing in fiber and 5G networks, and implementing cost-cutting measures to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.
Image by PhoneArena At the end of 2023, the company was reported to have almost 99,000 employees. Soon, they could be 50,000 or so – major job cuts are expected. The FT report quotes BT Group Chief Executive Allison Kirkby who says that advances in AI could further deepen the job cuts under way at the British telecoms company.Kirkby said the company's current goal to eliminate over 40,000 jobs and reduce costs by £3 billion (\$4 billion) by 2030 might not fully capture how much more artificial intelligence could help streamline operations.Kirkby noted that as BT continues to explore what artificial intelligence can offer, there may be a chance for the company to become even smaller by 2030.In 2023, BT announced plans to cut up to 55,000 jobs, including contractors, as part of a broader effort to streamline operations. The company's former CEO, Philip Jansen, had emphasized the goal of operating with a leaner workforce and a much lower cost base by the end of the decade. Since taking over leadership, Kirkby has also indicated that BT could consider spinning off Openreach, its network infrastructure division, if the market continues to undervalue the business. Growth at Openreach helped balance out weaker performance in BT's business and consumer segments, where traditional voice services and handset sales continued to decline.Will AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile take notes? I'm far from the thought that the big three US telcos are not looking for ways to implement AI in their day-to-day operations – and they're alreadydoing it – what's more, I'm sure massive job cuts will happen at a point in time. The US telcos just need to come up with a reasonably sane chatbot assistant and it'll do the trick. Switch to Total 5G+ Unlimited 3-Month plan or Total 5G Unlimited and get a free iPhone.
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Buy at Total Wireless
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Phone Arena
an hour ago
- Phone Arena
Nothing Phone (3) leaked specs suggest big upgrades incoming
Nothing Phone (3a) Pro vs. Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Image credit: PhoneArena Nothing has big plans for 2025, as the UK based company has already released two mid-range smartphones and is about to introduce its first-ever flagship, the Phone (3). According to Nothing, the Phone (3) will be the best product the company has ever put out. The flagship has been designed taking into account all the feedback from fans, as well as all the knowledge Nothing has in regard to phone development. Nothing has started hyping up its Phone (3) several weeks ago and even revealed the device will cost around £800. People had high expectations considering all the teasers Nothing dropped recently, so we can only imagine how big the disappointment was when the UK-based brand confirmed the Phone (3) will be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 instead of the chipmaker's flagship product, the Snapdragon 8 that seems to be the only major downside of Nothing's flagship. A recent leak reveals that the Phone (3) will actually pack many upgrades over Nothing's previous devices, which isn't really surprising considering that the company's portfolio only includes mid-range handsets. Nothing Phone (3) rumored specs: Display : 6.7-inch, 1.5K resolution, OLED LTPO panel : 6.7-inch, 1.5K resolution, OLED LTPO panel Main camera : 50MP + 50MP (3x periscope) + 50MP (ultra-wide) : 50MP + 50MP (3x periscope) + 50MP (ultra-wide) Front camera : 50MP : 50MP Chipset : Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 : Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 Battery : 5,150mAh, 100W wired charging (also supports wireless and reverse wireless charging) : 5,150mAh, 100W wired charging (also supports wireless and reverse wireless charging) Connectivity : NFC support, eSIM support : NFC support, eSIM support OS : Nothing OS 3.5 based on Android 15 Apart from the chipset, these seem to be the specs of a true flagship. Perhaps a slightly bigger battery would have been more appropriate, but considering Samsung's Galaxy S25 has a slightly smaller battery, this shouldn't be such a big issue. Alleged Nothing Phone (3) | Image credit: Gadget Bits Along with the leaked specs, Gadget Bits also published a small image showing what appears to be the design of the Phone (3). The previous picture that was circulated online wasn't accurate at all, but this one seems even stranger. The arrangement of the camera sensors is not as symmetric as it should. Granted, none of Nothing's phones inspire symmetry, it would have been nice for the company's flagship to bring something new in terms of design. Nothing Phone (3) is expected to be officially introduced on July 1. The company has already confirmed the flagship will be available in the US with support for major carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile (but not Verizon). Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
Phone Arena
3 hours ago
- Phone Arena
T-Mobile Tuesdays-style gifts arriving for Verizon customers as part of Project 624
Verizon will distribute these gifts on June 24. | Image Credit - The Mobile Report Carriers no longer only compete on coverage, talk, text, and data allowance, and prices. They offer perks to differentiate themselves and outdo each other. Verizon teased a customer-centric initiative called Project 624 and now we seem to know what it's about. The Mobile Report has received word that Project 624 is about promoting the perks Verizon already offers and increasing focus on the rewards program. This program will predictably be announced on June 24, According to a leaked internal document, it appears that Project 624 isn't primarily about bringing more perks to customers. Rather, it's about increasing the visibility of what's already available and creating a better experience for customers. [img center [[432004]]:"Verizon's internal document reveals about Project 624. | Image Credit - The Mobile Report"] Apparently, the My Verizon app is being overhauled. This app allows customers to manage their accounts and access the myAccess promotions and benefits program that hooks customers up with personalized offers and passes and tickets to events. The idea is seemingly to reintroduce the myAccess program for those who have forgotten about it. Verizon will likely offer more rewards through myAccess going forward. Customers can expect to get stuff such as gift cards, pickleball sets, and Disney ears. Verizon stores across the nation have started receiving merch that will be distributed on June 24. The freebies include water bottles, drawstring backpacks, and sunglasses. Customers will also get "palm cards," which will be cards with information about myAccess. Additionally, stores are also stocking up on cookies from Cheryl's Cookie, The cookies have a "Customer Appreciation Event" label on them. By the look of it, Verizon is trying to mimic the T-Mobile Tuesdays program. Freebies improve customer goodwill and they can also help Verizon attract more foot traffic. The company is apparently already trying to do that by asking store representatives to contact customers in their area and request them to stop by. While a greater emphasis on the visibility and availability of perks and gifts might warrant an announcement, it's not necessarily a big enough deal to have a whole mystery project — teased months in advance — named after seems to indicate there might be more to Project 624 than we currently know. One rumor claims that Verizon might start offering free lines, which is something T-Mobile often does. However, the free lines might not be free forever. Jeff Moore, principal at Wave7 Research, had previously said that Project 624 might revolve around AI and customer support. The bottom line is that it appears that the loss of customers was a wake-up call for Verizon and the company is implementing various retention strategies to keep from bleeding more customers. Whether they will work remains to be seen but it's nice to see the company trying. Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
GSM Arena
7 hours ago
- GSM Arena
Apple could buy Perplexity AI, internal sources say
According to Mark Gurman's internal sources, Apple's executives are discussing the possibility of acquiring Perplexity AI, an AI-powered web search engine that has gained traction in the last year or so. However, the discussions are at an early stage, and Apple's mergers and acquisitions chief is overseeing them, along with executives at Apple's AI department. So, it's too early to tell whether the two companies will reach a deal. In fact, when asked for a comment, a Perplexity spokesperson said they have no knowledge of any current or future discussions on the matter. Even if Apple decides to acquire Perplexity AI, it will have several hurdles to overcome. For instance, the company is currently valued at $14 billion, which would be its biggest investment to date. Also, Perplexity is already in advanced talks with Samsung to integrate some of its features into Samsung's ecosystem. Source
