India’s rapid digital transformation, particularly through the expansion of broadband and 5G networks, will generate approximately 1,00,000 new job opportunities in the fiber installation, maintenance, and repair sectors within the next five years, according to Subburathinam P, Chief Strategy Officer at TeamLease Services.
The India Telecom Market will likely grow from USD 48.61 billion in 2024 to USD 76.16 billion by 2029, with an annual growth rate of 9.40%.
He shared with PTI that, as of 2023, the installation of approximately 7,00,000 kilometers of optical fiber cable across the country has played a crucial role in advancing the nation’s digital infrastructure.
Subburathinam stated, “The annual growth rate of employment in the fiber optic technician segment is largely driven by the rapid expansion of broadband and 5G networks in India. As the government and telecom operators focus on expanding fiber infrastructure, the demand for fiber technicians is likely to grow significantly.”
He further added that the growing fiberisation of telecom towers will likely generate approximately 1,00,000 new job opportunities.
Fiber Installation & Maintenance Workforce
In line with this demand, the current workforce in fiber installation and maintenance is likely to exceed 5,00,000, spurred by ongoing efforts to support the growing 4G, 5G, and broadband needs across the nation.
Subburathinam highlighted that this workforce is to expand further, particularly as 5G technology, likely to reach its peak by 2030, ushers in faster speeds, lower latency, and improved connectivity.
Fiber technicians, who are integral to the deployment of these networks, employed across diverse sectors, including telecommunications, IT, construction, and manufacturing.
These roles often focus on expanding network infrastructure in both urban and rural areas, addressing a wide range of technical requirements such as network expansion and setup.
Subburathinam also highlighted that job roles such as Fiber Engineers, Splicers, Fiber Termination Equipment Technicians, Installation and Repair Specialists, Fault Resolution Teams, Fiber Cellsite Engineers, and Field Technicians are experiencing notable growth, driven by the expansion of telecom infrastructure and the rollout of 5G services.
Regarding attrition, he noted that it remains high, with annual rates ranging from 35% to 40%, primarily due to long working hours, limited salary increases, and poaching within the industry.
Subburathinam asserted, “The rate of attrition in the fiber technician segment tends to be relatively high, typically ranging between 35-40 per cent, annually.”
“The reasons could be the long working hours leading to burnout, low salary growth could lead to technicians seeking better-paying opportunities elsewhere, incentives, poaching employees from each other among others,” he added.
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