In a landmark move, BSNL has joined hands with Ericsson, Qualcomm, Cisco, and Nokia to launch advanced training programs in 5G, AI/ML, and networking at BRBRAITT, Jabalpur — accelerating India’s digital transformation and skill development in line with the government’s vision of Skill India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Highlights:
- Strategic MoUs signed between BSNL and four global technology leaders: Ericsson, Qualcomm, Cisco, and Nokia.
- Training initiatives focused on 5G, AI/ML, networking, and digital technologies at BRBRAITT, Jabalpur.
- Creation of Ericsson 5G Centre of Excellence and Qualcomm Institute at BRBRAITT.
- Cisco to provide networking and cybersecurity training via its Networking Academy Program.
- Nokia to set up a 5G Centre of Excellence and AI/ML Lab, training 300 students annually.
- Annual training target of over 2,000 students with Phase 1 investments exceeding ₹1 crore.
- Part of the larger vision to establish Telecom Innovation, Research and Training Centre (TIRTC).
- Aligns with flagship government initiatives: Digital India, Skilling India, Make in India, Startup India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
In a major push to develop an industry-ready skilled workforce, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has signed strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with four global technology leaders — Ericsson India Pvt. Ltd., Qualcomm Technologies Inc., Cisco Systems, and Nokia Solutions and Networks India Pvt. Ltd. The agreements were formalized at a ceremony in New Delhi, graced by Union Minister of Communications and DoNER, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, along with other dignitaries.
This partnership seeks to fast-track India’s digital transformation by introducing cutting-edge training programs in 5G, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), networking, and other next-generation digital technologies at BSNL’s flagship training hub, the Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training (BRBRAITT) in Jabalpur.
This initiative is a pivotal element of the Department of Telecommunications’ larger vision to set up the Telecom Innovation, Research and Training Centre (TIRTC) at BRBRAITT. Designed as an industry-driven national hub, TIRTC will concentrate on building specialized R&D talent in telecom and developing a workforce equipped for the future. It will also serve as a catalyst for product innovation, prototyping, and entrepreneurship in the telecom sector, in full alignment with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Skill India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The MoUs were formalized by Shri A. Robert J. Ravi, Managing Director of BSNL, together with senior leaders from Ericsson, Qualcomm, Cisco, and Nokia. Speaking at the occasion, Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia described the initiative as “a landmark step” towards developing a skilled, future-ready telecom workforce through the combined efforts of BSNL and global technology leaders. He noted that the program will train over 2,000 students each year, backed by initial investments of more than ₹1 crore, and will establish Jabalpur as a hub for advanced technology education.
Reaffirming India’s global vision, Shri Scindia stated, “From local to global — India’s goal is not only to make in India, but to make for the world, with Jabalpur at the center of this transformation.” He urged stronger collaboration between government and industry, affirming, “United, we can transform the aspirations of our youth into reality.”
Secretary (Telecom) Dr. Neeraj Mittal underscored the uniqueness of this public-private partnership. He stated, “Four companies, along with BSNL, are joining hands to train not only public sector staff and trainers but also students and employees of telecom service providers through short, medium, and long-term courses.” He further expressed hope that this initiative will provide a boost to employment and the economy, not just in Madhya Pradesh, but across India.
Key initiatives under the MoUs include:
- Ericsson India: Establishing a dedicated 5G Centre of Excellence at BRBRAITT providing hands-on 5G training and online learning modules under the Ericsson Educate Program, benefiting 2,000+ students annually. BSNL will support with classroom infrastructure.
- Qualcomm Technologies Inc.: Qualcomm will establish a dedicated Qualcomm Institute to deliver advanced training in 5G and AI, featuring premium online content, interactive live sessions, and hands-on internships. In its inaugural year, the institute will sponsor training for the first 100 participants.
- Cisco Systems: Leveraging its Cisco Networking Academy Program to deliver free access to online curriculum and digital tools for networking, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure skills, coordinated across non-profit educational institutions nationwide by BSNL.
- Nokia Solutions and Networks: Supporting the creation of a 5G Centre of Excellence and AI/ML Lab, training 300 students annually with joint certification supported by the Telecom Sector Skill Council.
These collaborations powerfully align with India’s flagship initiatives — Digital India, Skill India, Make in India, Startup India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat. By empowering the nation’s youth with cutting-edge technological skills, the program aims to cultivate a self-reliant and globally competitive digital workforce. In the long run, it envisions building a robust consortium of Indian and international tech leaders to advance innovation, research, and specialized training in next-generation telecom technologies.
