Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers

Right now, telecom line work is only partly automated. Companies are starting to use AI behind the scenes – for example, Verizon has an AI system that scans millions of “call before you dig” tickets and flags high-risk spots to prevent digging into fiber cables ^[1]. That helps avoid accidents, but the actual job of testing and fixing lines remains a hands-on task.

In the field, technicians still climb poles and use hand-held testers to check lines; they use splicing tools to connect cables. Some heavy tasks like digging trenches can use smart equipment: there are even autonomous excavators that can follow a simple trench plan ^[2]. But those machines still need human setup and supervision, and they’re mostly used on big projects.

In short, AI and robots are starting to help (by planning work or warning about problems), but they do not yet replace a skilled crew on site ^{[1] [2]}.

Whether AI spreads quickly in this field depends on benefits and costs. Line installers earn a solid ($69K) bilingual average salary ^[3], so companies might save money if robots take on repetitive or dangerous work. However, buying smart machines or software can be very expensive, and small crews may stick to regular tools.

Safety and trust also matter: people often feel more confident having a trained technician handle unpredictable or tricky jobs. On the other hand, the industry is facing a worker shortage. Many experienced line workers are retiring, and newer workers often need extra training ^[4].

This encourages telecom firms to consider AI tools that capture expert knowledge and help train new hires more quickly ^[4]. In the end, we expect a gradual change: AI will likely help technicians do their jobs better (for example, by predicting faults or guiding repairs), but the human skills – like problem-solving on the spot – will stay very important for a long time ^{[1] [4]}.