BSNL Partners with Global Tech Giants to Boost 5G, AI, and Digital Skills Development

State-owned BSNL has inked MoUs with Ericsson, Qualcomm, Cisco, and Nokia to launch advanced digital skilling programs at its Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training (BRBRAITT) in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.

This initiative, unveiled in the presence of Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, aims to train over 2,000 students annually in cutting-edge technologies such as 5G, AI, machine learning, networking, and cybersecurity.

Ericsson will establish a 5G Centre of Excellence leveraging its Ericsson Educate platform, while Qualcomm will set up a Qualcomm Institute focusing on advanced 5G and AI training with internship opportunities. Cisco plans to expand its Networking Academy program, enhancing skills in networking, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure. Nokia will create a 5G Centre of Excellence and an AI/ML Lab to train 300 students yearly in 5G radio, core networks, and AI/ML applications, in partnership with the Telecom Sector Skill Council.

The collaborations form part of the Department of Telecommunications’ vision to build a Telecom Innovation, Research and Training Centre (TIRTC) at BRBRAITT, designed to foster telecom R&D, product innovation, and entrepreneurship aligned with initiatives like Digital India, Skill India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The courses will range from short two-week modules to extensive 84-hour programs, with initial investments exceeding ₹1 crore. Besides training public sector staff, trainers, and students, the program also extends to telecom service providers’ employees through various course durations.

Scindia emphasized India’s emerging role as a global talent hub, highlighting the government’s ambition to transform the country into a ‘vishwaguru’ (global teacher). He also indicated that other major firms, including Tata Consultancy Services and Tejas Networks, are expected to join in similar partnerships.

Ericsson India’s country head Nitin Bansal noted, “India stands at the cusp of a digital revolution, and success depends on how well we skill our people. Skilling empowers individuals and fosters innovation.”

This public-private partnership signals a significant step toward strengthening India’s telecom workforce to meet future technological demands and boost employment opportunities for trained candidates.