AT&T says it will keep cutting jobs as it automates more work with AI

In short: AT&T says it expects fewer employees in the coming years as it automates more of its work, retires old landline networks, and modernizes how it runs its internet and phone services.

What's going on

AT&T executives told WIRED the company will continue reducing its workforce as it prepares for what it calls the “AI era.” AT&T has already cut more than half its workforce over the past decade. Public filings show it cut about 8,000 jobs last year, and about 2,100 more in the first half of 2026.

A big part of the change is replacing manual, paperwork-heavy processes with software. For example, some older systems still require people to handle customer requests by hand, like disconnecting phone service. AT&T says it is using AI in customer service, to help pick locations for new cell towers, and to spot maintenance problems.

AT&T also plans to replace physical hardware at thousands of network hubs with “cloud” software from DriveNets starting next year. Cloud software means the tools run in remote data centers instead of on machines sitting in each building (like switching from owning a DVD player to streaming movies). AT&T says this lets technicians make changes remotely, such as upgrading a customer’s internet speed.

Another major shift is retiring its copper wire network, which has powered many landlines and DSL internet connections for decades. AT&T says moving away from copper has helped cut energy use, and it reported total energy consumption fell 13.1% from 2020 through the end of 2025.

What to watch

Some copper shutdowns need approval from regulators, especially where rural customers have limited alternatives. AT&T also says it will still hire for different roles, including people to oversee automated systems and technicians to maintain fiber lines.

Source: Wired