Latest number is being down 7,000 employees in the 4th qtr of 2022, info. from the latest McElfresh interview. He said they are just starting on the copper wireline transformation to remove cost and reduce cooper footprint 50% over next 2-3 years. Fiber will be the biggest transport replacement with some areas having fixed wireless as an interim svc until fiber is installed in the future on the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program.
https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/resources/grant-programs