Telecom fieldwork—tower climbing, fiber optic installations, and 5G antenna setups—exposes workers to hazards like falls, electrical shocks, and RF radiation. Under the Telecom Act 2023, enforced from July 2024, public safety and national security provisions mandate rigorous PPE usage, emergency response training, and compliance with AIS 140 standards for vehicle safety. Initiatives like TSSC safety modules have reduced incidents by 25% in FY25, emphasizing height safety harnesses and drone-assisted inspections to minimize on-site risks.
With a projected need for 22 million skilled workers by 2025 in 5G, IoT, and AI domains, the demand-supply gap stands at 2.41 million, set to triple by 2030. TSSC, in partnership with Ericsson Center of Excellence at DSEU, offers hands-on modules in 5G network engineering and IoT systems, training over 1 lakh youth annually. On-the-job apprenticeships and LMS platforms enable mobile-friendly upskilling, aligning curricula with PLI scheme demands and boosting employability to 60% for IT graduates.
| Key Elements of Manpower Safety & Training | Impacts & Initiatives (2025) |
|---|---|
| Safety in Field Operations | 25% incident reduction via TSSC modules; mandatory PPE and RF exposure limits under Telecom Act 2023 |
| Skills Training for 5G & Emerging Tech | 22M workforce target; Ericsson-TSSC CoE training 1L+ youth in IoT/AI; 28% demand-supply gap addressed |
| Apprenticeships & On-Job Learning | MSDE programs with internships; 40,000 jobs via PLI telecom manufacturing; average contractual pay ₹25,225/month |
| Digital LMS for Continuous Upskilling | Mobile platforms for regulatory compliance; real-time analytics tracking 15% error reduction in deployments |
| Workforce Inclusion & Diversity | Rural youth focus via BharatNet; gender-balanced training for 4M+ employees, enhancing teledensity to 85% |
As India deploys 486,070 5G base stations by mid-2025, investing in safety and training fosters a resilient workforce, driving $450B economic boost by 2040. Challenges like rural-urban skill disparities are countered by NSDC collaborations and incentives for domestic gear manufacturing. Ultimately, prioritizing manpower development under NTP 2025 ensures safer operations, innovative deployments, and inclusive growth in the world second-largest telecom market.
Harness training and fall-arrest systems mandatory for 70% fiberized towers, cutting accidents in high-risk zones.
Annual exposure monitoring and bio-effect studies integrated into TSSC certifications for field technicians.
Hands-on labs at CoEs for safe installation of 1.5L+ small cells, emphasizing cybersecurity basics.
AIS 140 GPS in service vans; driver fatigue training reducing road incidents by 20% in rural deployments.
MSDE-backed schemes placing 10,000+ trainees with Jio/Airtel, focusing on cloud and robotics skills.
Skilled Workforce Needed by 2025
Current Telecom Employees
Safety Incident Reduction in FY25
