Roll out of 4G technology with an increase in data, entry of new players in the market, introduction of digital wallets, popularity of smart phone leading to consistent increase in demand for technology and other developments in the telecom sector likely to increase job opportunities by 30 lakhs by 2018, according to an ASSOCHAM-KPMG joint study.
Emerging technologies such as 5G, M2M and the evolution of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) are expected to create employment avenues for almost 870,000 individuals by 2021, reveals the ASSOCHAM-KPMG joint study. The existing manpower in the sector may not be adequate both in number as well as in skill to cater to the upcoming demand. There is a need to bridge the gap in skill which on the one hand would require identification of skilled manpower in diverse roles such as infra and cyber security experts, application developers, sales executives, infrastructure technicians, handset technicians etc. as well as on the other hand reskilling of existing manpower working on existing technologies for them to be updated with upcoming requirements.
The government initiatives such as ‘Skill India’ have been implemented for the ease of providing sufficient and appropriate manpower to the telecom sector, among other sectors. The Telecom Sector Skill Council (TSSC) has been set up to cater to the demands and skill needs of the telecom sector. However, the Industry recommends more targeted and specialised skill development programmes that would enhance existing manpower capabilities and availability to ensure uninterrupted development of the sector as a whole.
The telecom sector has grown at 19.6 per cent CAGR in terms of subscriber base and at 7.07 per cent CAGR from a revenue perspective over the last few years.
“TSPs have continued to invest in their networks and modernise their existing network infrastructure. Operators CAPEX investments stands at INR 85003 crore during Q1 2017 and the below figure depicts the significant CAPEX investment during the period 2012- 2016”, noted the study.
