Key Takeaways
• Telecom talent shortage in India
• Rapid 5G and 6G rollout
• Need for skilling and development programs
• Industry and government collaboration
The Growing Divide
As India stands on the brink of a technological revolution with the rollout of 5G and the anticipation of 6G, a critical challenge emerges—the widening supply-demand gap for telecom talent. Tarun Chhabra, VP & Mobile Networks India Head at Nokia India, highlights the rapid evolution from 4G to 5G and the future leap towards 6G, emphasizing the shift towards faster data rates, lower latency, and enhanced network reliability. This transition, however, is marred by a significant shortage of skilled professionals capable of driving this evolution forward.
Ericsson’s forecast sheds light on the urgency of the matter, predicting 5G subscriptions in India to soar from 130 million in 2023 to 860 million by 2029, which would account for 68% of total mobile subscriptions. The Delhi-based Telecom Sector Skill Council (TSSC) points out that the demand for talent spans across various sectors including network and infrastructure management, sales, distribution, marketing, and the development of advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G use cases.
Skilling for the Future
The transition to 5G and the advent of 6G demand a workforce equipped with new skills and knowledge. This necessity brings to light the importance of skilling and development programs tailored for the telecom sector. Such initiatives are pivotal in preparing the workforce for the future, ensuring they possess the requisite skills for network and infrastructure management among other critical areas. Despite the clear need, the current pace and scale of skilling initiatives are insufficient to bridge the talent gap.
The sheer volume of anticipated 5G subscriptions underscores the urgency for accelerated and expanded training programs. The Telecom Sector Skill Council’s observations reveal a broad spectrum of talent demand, extending beyond traditional telecom roles to encompass high-end manufacturing and the development of next-generation technologies. Without a concerted effort to skill and reskill the existing and future workforce, India risks lagging behind in the global race towards 5G and 6G.
Industry and Government Collaboration
Addressing the talent shortage in the telecom sector requires more than just individual efforts from companies; it necessitates a collaborative approach between the industry and the government. The Telecom Sector Skill Council’s call for action emphasizes the need for a united front to tackle the skilling challenge. By pooling resources, knowledge, and expertise, both the industry and the government can develop comprehensive training programs that are both scalable and sustainable.
Such collaboration could lead to the establishment of specialized training centers, the integration of telecom-specific curricula in academic institutions, and the provision of incentives for companies that actively participate in skilling initiatives. Moreover, a focus on emerging technologies like IoT and 5G use case development can ensure that the workforce is not only prepared for the immediate future but is also adaptable to the technological evolutions that lie beyond.
In conclusion, as India navigates through the exciting yet challenging transition towards 5G and 6G, addressing the talent gap through robust skilling and development programs is imperative. The collaboration between the telecom industry and the government plays a crucial role in this endeavor, ensuring that the country not only meets its current technological ambitions but also secures its position as a global leader in the telecom sector. The journey is complex and the challenges are many, but with concerted effort and strategic planning, India can overcome its talent dilemma and harness the full potential of 5G and 6G technologies.
