AT&T is automating customer service, network management and technical operations while retiring its ageing copper infrastructure, a restructuring expected to reduce staffing significantly. The shift reflects pressure on the 150-year-old telecoms company to cut costs, improve productivity and compete with rivals and newer technology-driven businesses.

AT&T employed nearly 131,000 people in June, but eliminated about 8,000 jobs last year and 2,100 more during the first half of 2026; the company denied a reported target of roughly 85,000 employees by 2030. Its AI tools include systems for tower planning, maintenance, software development and network adjustments during extreme weather, while cloud software will replace hardware at thousands of hubs from next year. AT&T also expects to retire copper services across more than 85% of its existing footprint by the end of 2026, contributing to a reported 660,000 megawatt-hour reduction in electricity use since 2024.