This reality has been brewing for quite some time. I recall an ABC interview with an ATC officer back around 10 years ago. The ATC guy was adamant pilots will become redundant as in his view he proffered words to the effect "we tell them what path to take now from the ground, why couldn't pilots be removed altogether".
Actually I see it the other way round. I see ATC functions being automated/computerised to a much greater extent before pilots are removed from the cockpit.
The computers using ADSB type data will work out the flow and issue enroute instructions via telemetry links.
When something goes pear shaped (digger cuts cable etc) it's much easier to put a human at a radio on the ground than it is to teleport someone into the cockpit.
Besides I think it will take a very very long time before the travelling public will be comfortable getting into a pilotless aircraft.