Wireline has already been hit hard with many layoffs in various support groups, techs, engineering and managers. The rest of the company is just now feeling the pain that’s been happening in ACE and CNIO. Engineering appears to be on the path of being contracted out again, as has been done in the past.
Wireline has been migrating from copper to fiber but it’s a huge lift, it will still take years for buildout. Fiber has been installed since the 80’s and it’s still barely over 30% of coverage for AT&T’s 22 state area. There was a lost decade of fiber build due to leadership’s failed media aspirations which resulted in a refocus on core business once again. Though cheaper than copper, fiber is cost prohibitive due to labor installation cost, some local gov. requirements, terrain, supply, contractors, etc.. so the company has to implement it in phases for ROI.
Even if the company were to sell, spin-off or do whatever with wireline, the techs will be here for many years to come, they can’t off-shore or WFH that work. Unfortunately for a lot of managers their work isn’t local. Technology changes but still need boots in the field and CO’s to install, maintain the network though less will be needed as time goes by. Attrition will happen within the next 3-6 years, there will be many that retire in the core and sooner in Leg-T. Many in the core were hired in 1999-2001 so 30 years or modified rule of 75 is not far away for the older techs. Expecting more tech layoffs in the core after the MOA between the Company and Union expires sometime next year, 2024.
The company goal is to reduce copper facilities & equipment 50% by the end of 2024 or 2025. Some areas that will be turned off and have no fiber will be served by fixed wireless but that is just a temporary solution per CFO and McElfresh in recent interviews. Fixed wireless in their opinions isn’t viable for the future due to various short comings of that product.