Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has signed a strategic MoU with four global technology leaders: Ericsson India, Qualcomm, Cisco Systems, and Nokia to accelerate the country’s digital transformation.
The move also aims at strengthening the skilling ecosystem.
According to the release, the partnership will roll out advance training initiatives in 5G, AI/ML, networking, and digital technologies at BSNL’s apex training institute, Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training (BRBRAITT) in Jabalpur.
The development is seen as a step towards a broader plan by the telecommunications department under the communications ministry to establish a Telecom Innovation, Research and Training Centre (TIRTC) at BRBRAITT.
Envisioned as an industry-led national hub, TIRTC will focus on developing telecom-specific R&D talent and a future-ready workforce. The centre will also support product innovation, prototyping, and telecom entrepreneurship in the long term.
The MoUs were signed at a ceremony in New Delhi, in the presence of union minister of communications and DoNER, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, secretary (Telecom) Dr Neeraj Mittal, senior officials from the DoT, BSNL leadership, and representatives from partner companies.
Scindia noted, “Backed by industry leaders…, the program will train over 2,000 students annually, with Phase 1 investments exceeding ₹1 crore.”
The minister added that the courses, ranging from short two-week modules to intensive 84-hour programs “aim to position Jabalpur as a hub for cutting-edge technology education.”
Reiterating India’s global ambitions, he stated, “From local to global, India will not just make in India, but make for the world. Jabalpur will be at the heart of this transformation.” Calling for stronger partnerships, he emphasised, “Government and industry are two sides of the same coin. Together, we can turn the aspirations of our youth into reality.”
As part of the initiative, Ericsson India would help establish a dedicated Ericsson 5G centre of excellence at BRBRAITT to provide hands-on 5G training as well as online learning modules under the Ericsson Educate Program to over 2,000 students annually.
Qualcomm Technologies would set up a Qualcomm Institute at BRBRAITT, focusing on advanced 5G and AI training for students, BSNL trainers, and government stakeholders.
Qualcomm would sponsor training for the first 100 participants in the inaugural year.
Cisco Systems would leverage its Cisco Networking Academy Program to enhance skills in networking, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure. Cisco will provide free access to online curriculum and digital tools, while BSNL will coordinate implementation across non-profit educational institutions nationwide. The collaboration seeks to create a digitally enabled, job-ready youth workforce, it said.
Nokia would support the creation of a 5G centre of excellence and AI/ML Lab at BRBRAITT. The programme will train 300 students annually in 5G radio, core networks, and AI/ML applications.
