AT&T Cuts 2,100 Jobs as AI Automation and Copper Shutdown Reshape Operations
Updated
Updated · WIRED · Sep 23
AT&T Cuts 2,100 Jobs as AI Automation and Copper Shutdown Reshape Operations
1 articles · Updated · WIRED · Sep 23
Summary
AT&T eliminated about 2,100 jobs in the first half of 2026 and signaled more cuts ahead as it retools for an AI-driven business.
131,000 employees remained as of June, but executives said the company will not keep the same headcount in five years, with automation targeting middle-management and junior developer roles.
AI is already handling customer service, tower siting, maintenance detection and software coding, while DriveNets cloud software will start replacing hardware at thousands of central hubs next year.
AT&T is also retiring its copper landline and DSL network; by year-end it expects copper obligations to end across more than 85% of its footprint, pending regulatory approvals in some areas.
That shift has cut energy use: AT&T said total consumption fell 13.1% from 2020 through 2025, with copper retirement alone saving 660,000 megawatt-hours since 2024.