The Indian telecom sector is expected to see a surge in hiring by 2025, driven in part by the anticipated growth of satellite communications (satcom) services. The government is currently finalizing regulatory frameworks for satcom, which could create opportunities in space technologies. As major players such as Starlink, Amazon’s Kuiper and the Reliance Jio-SES JV enter the market, there will be an increasing demand for highly skilled talent. However, the timeline for these services remains uncertain, as key regulatory details, including spectrum allocation, are still under discussion.
Growth in India’s Telecom Workforce with Focus on 5G, 6G, and Advanced Technologies
The overall telecom workforce in India is expected to grow steadily in the upcoming fiscal year. Staffing firms like Randstad, TeamLease, and Quess Corp predict a stable workforce increase, with a 31% rise in FY24, similar to previous years. In FY26, telecom hiring will be driven primarily by rural 5G expansion, 6G readiness and the adoption of advanced network technologies. While temporary field jobs, such as those for BharatNet and 4G/5G expansion, will increase, there will also be a growing demand for corporate roles in areas like cybersecurity, AI, and satellite communications.
Randstad predicts that India’s telecom workforce will increase from 5 million in FY24 to 5.7 million in FY25, following a growth trend from 2.5 million in FY22. Hiring will primarily target roles such as field sales executives, customer service staff and installation engineers. Moreover, new opportunities are expected to arise in AI-driven network management and customer service roles.
Telecom Sector Faces Skills Gap, Urging Targeted Training for 5G and 6G Growth
The telecom sector is facing a growing skills gap, with around 2 million unfilled positions, highlighting the urgent need for targeted training. In FY25, key growth drivers will include rural 5G expansion and preparations for 6G. This will lead to a greater emphasis on roles in customer acquisition, network optimization, and technical support.
