Empowering connectivity: The surge of telecom technicians driving India’s digital infrastructure
By Subburathinam P
India has set the foot hard on the accelerator and is looking to become a digital powerhouse. Over the last decade, the Indian telecom sector has experienced unprecedented growth, with a steady rise in internet penetration and broadband subscribers, underscoring the demand for seamless connectivity across urban and rural regions alike. The telecom sector has seen a significant rise in demand for skilled telecom technicians, who are the unsung heroes behind India’s telecom growth story—essential for the nation’s migration from 4G to 5G, wired broadband expansion, and increasing enterprise connectivity. With digital infrastructure set to become the backbone of India’s economic future, the role of telecom technicians is more critical than ever.
Unveiling the data surge
The latest data highlights India’s remarkable leap in connectivity: 95.4 crore internet subscribers and 92.4 crore broadband subscribers mark a 9.15% growth over the past year. Additionally, India has witnessed an 8.3% rise in internet subscribers year-over-year, bringing 7.3 crore new users online between March 2023 and March 2024. This surge extends beyond mere connectivity, signifying an increased demand for high-speed broadband services. Urban areas report 556 million internet connections, while rural regions continue to bridge the gap with 398 million connections, growing exponentially each year. The ongoing demand for data connectivity has led to greater employment opportunities for telecom technicians, particularly those skilled in installation, network troubleshooting, and maintaining the hardware required to sustain the burgeoning connectivity demands in both residential and commercial settings.
As more households and businesses gain access to wired broadband services, technicians specializing in installation and repair are becoming indispensable to maintaining the network’s reliability. The robust addition of broadband connections showcases a continued momentum toward creating a digitally empowered society, with skilled technicians ensuring the smooth operation of networks essential for work, education, and day-to-day communication.
Transforming infrastructure and demand for skilled technicians
India’s much-anticipated transition from 4G to 5G has ignited a need for skilled telecom technicians capable of handling complex tasks associated with network upgradation. Industry reports estimate that 22 million skilled workers will be required by 2025 to support the shift toward 5G technology, covering areas such as fiber infrastructure, wireless equipment upgrades, and fiber termination equipment installation. This massive infrastructure shift involves the deployment of fiber optic cables, upgrading wireless components at cellular sites, and installing sophisticated equipment to handle high-speed data transfers crucial to 5G’s success.
With industry partnerships, such as those between BSNL and major players like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Tejas Networks, extensive 4G upgrades are already underway, involving upgrading 15,000 towers with plans to expand to 80,000 by October 2024. This expansion effort is projected to require thousands of technicians to manage and maintain the infrastructure, further emphasizing the increasing role of telecom experts in India’s connectivity transformation.
The promise of 5G-based wireless broadband (AirFiber) is also pushing demand for technically skilled labor to support network setups, device maintenance, and continuous upgrading, particularly in areas with challenging topography where laying fiber cables might be difficult. With 5G’s growth, telecom technicians are instrumental in actualizing the vision of a faster, more reliable wireless broadband service, redefining connectivity and bridging digital divides across rural and urban India.
Paving the way for industry 4.0
The explosion of the Internet of Things (IoT), coupled with the growth of enterprise infrastructure like Private LTE networks and data centers, is leading India towards the era of Industry 4.0. Industries such as automotive, healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing are adopting IoT on an unprecedented scale, with the IoT market projected to grow from USD 41 billion in 2023 to USD 171.7 billion by 2032. The widespread integration of IoT systems is opening up numerous job opportunities for technicians skilled in IoT installation, maintenance, and system integration.
Simultaneously, India’s data center market is expanding due to heightened demand for data storage and processing, powered by cloud computing and enterprise requirements. The Private LTE network market is also set to grow at a CAGR of 20%, supporting critical sectors with dedicated connectivity solutions. Telecom technicians are critical in deploying and managing these networks, maintaining data centers, and handling the sophisticated technology required for secure and efficient enterprise communication.
Building the backbone of a digital nation
The surge in connectivity, driven by the dedication of telecom technicians, is positioning India as a leader in global digital infrastructure. These professionals are not just building the networks of today but laying the groundwork for tomorrow’s digital ecosystems, from rural broadband access to 5G innovation and IoT-driven industries. As the demand for connectivity continues to grow, so does the demand for skilled technicians who are ready to empower the nation’s digital transformation journey. By enabling seamless connectivity, these telecom technicians are truly powering the backbone of India’s digital economy, shaping a connected future that stands to benefit every Indian.
(The author of the article is Subburathinam P, Chief Operating Officer, TeamLease Services, and the views expressed in this article are his own)
