A recent study by Colt Technology Services says that using AI in telecom is still being held back by people worrying about their jobs, unequal treatment, and not enough communication inside companies. The report, called “Concern to Confidence,” is based on surveys from over a thousand telecom workers in nine countries. It shows that people don't quite trust AI, and lots of workers don't feel ready for how quickly the industry is changing.
Only about 23% of workers feel safe in their jobs. More than half, 55%, are scared that AI might take their place, mostly in areas like marketing, finance, customer service, and office work. Some people said that machines are mostly affecting jobs that women usually have. Others pointed out that the groups building AI systems don't have enough different kinds of people in them.
Colt says that if companies don't get their employees involved early on, they might make inequality worse and cause people to push back against AI. A lot of workers also said they weren't sure if their companies were putting safety measures in place.
Even with these worries, almost two-thirds (63%) think AI could actually help make things more equal for men and women if it's used the right way and if teams are made up of different kinds of people. But there still aren't many diverse leaders; only about 20% think there are enough different kinds of people at the board level.
Companies are starting to train their employees more. About a quarter (24%) are teaching workers how to use AI in their current jobs, and 21% are getting them ready for new jobs. They're using things like online classes, reading, conferences, meetings, and certificates. But only one out of every five employees gets a mentor.
More people are using AI every day. Just over a third (35%) use AI search tools, and almost a quarter (24%) use AI that makes new content daily. This is more common in places like India, the UK, and the US. People are saying it helps them analyze things faster, make fewer mistakes, and get more done.
Frank Miller, who is in charge of AI at Colt, says that AI will only be helpful if companies focus on people, include everyone, avoid biased systems, get people to trust AI, and make things better for customers.
Related News