BSNL, Tech Giants Partner for AI & 5G Training in Jabalpur
In a significant stride towards bolstering India’s digital future, state-owned telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has forged strategic alliances with global technology powerhouses Ericsson, Qualcomm, Cisco, and Nokia. These landmark Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aim to train approximately 2,000 students annually in cutting-edge fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G, machine learning (ML), networking, and cybersecurity. The comprehensive training programs will be conducted at BSNL’s premier facility, the Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training (BRBRAITT) in Jabalpur, positioning it as a pivotal hub for advanced telecom education.
This collaborative effort is a foundational step in the Department of Telecommunications’ (DoT) broader vision to establish a dedicated Telecom Innovation, Research and Training Centre (TIRTC) at BRBRAITT. Envisioned as an industry-led national center, the TIRTC will focus on nurturing specialized telecom research and development talent, fostering innovation, and cultivating a workforce prepared for the demands of tomorrow’s digital landscape. This initiative directly aligns with the Indian government’s “Skill India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) missions, underscoring a commitment to domestic technological empowerment and global competitiveness.
Each global partner brings unique expertise to the training endeavor. Ericsson India will establish a dedicated 5G Centre of Excellence at BRBRAITT, offering both practical, hands-on training and online learning modules through its globally recognized Ericsson Educate Program. Qualcomm Technologies Inc. is set to establish a Qualcomm Institute within BRBRAITT, concentrating on advanced 5G and AI training for students, BSNL trainers, and government stakeholders, complete with premium online content, live interactive sessions, and internship opportunities. Notably, Qualcomm will sponsor the initial 100 participants in the program’s inaugural year. Cisco Systems will contribute by providing free access to its extensive online curriculum and digital tools, enhancing skills in crucial areas like networking, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure. Meanwhile, Nokia Solutions and Networks India Pvt. Ltd. will support the development of a 5G Centre of Excellence and an AI/ML Lab, with a goal to train 300 students annually in 5G radio, core network systems, and AI/ML applications, offering a joint certification program in collaboration with the Telecom Sector Skill Council.
Union Minister for Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia, lauded these partnerships as a “landmark step” for youth empowerment and skill development in India. He emphasized that such initiatives are vital for accelerating India’s digital transformation and shifting the nation’s focus from a service-oriented sector to a product-driven one within the telecom revolution. The Minister highlighted that Jabalpur is poised to become a central hub for cutting-edge technology education, nurturing a workforce capable of leading global innovation.
The collaborations come at a critical juncture for India’s telecom sector, which is a significant contributor to the nation’s economy and a major source of employment. With the rapid deployment of 5G and the increasing integration of AI, the industry faces a growing demand for a highly skilled workforce, with projections indicating a need for 2.5 million skilled workers by 2030. This joint initiative between BSNL and leading global technology firms is therefore crucial in bridging this talent gap, ensuring that India’s youth are equipped with the advanced capabilities required for the next generation of digital technologies. It represents a powerful confluence of global expertise and India’s burgeoning talent, poised to drive innovation and secure the country’s position as a leader in the connected, tech-driven future.