NEW DELHI, Aug. 11, 2025—State-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has signed memoranda of understanding with Ericsson, Qualcomm, Cisco, and Nokia to launch advanced digital skilling programmes at the Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training (BRBRAITT) in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Announced in the presence of Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, the BSNL 5G training initiative seeks to train over 2,000 students annually in high-demand fields such as 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), networking, and cybersecurity.
The agreements are intended to strengthen India’s telecom talent base while creating pathways for research and innovation in emerging technologies. The four companies will not only provide technical expertise and training modules but are also expected to offer employment opportunities for skilled graduates of the programme.
Industry Collaboration for Emerging Technologies
As part of the MoUs, Ericsson will establish a 5G Centre of Excellence at BRBRAITT, offering training through its global Ericsson Educate platform. The centre will deliver both theoretical and hands-on learning experiences in next-generation telecom networks. Qualcomm will launch the Institute, focusing on advanced BSNL 5G training and AI training. This will include internship opportunities and an initial sponsorship of training costs for 100 participants.
Cisco plans to expand its Networking Academy programme, providing free online resources for networking, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure. This initiative will target not just students, but also working professionals seeking to upgrade their skills in critical infrastructure technologies. Nokia will contribute by setting up a 5G Centre of Excellence and AI/ML Lab, training 300 students annually in 5G radio, core networks, and AI/ML applications. These activities will be supported by the Telecom Sector Skill Council to align with industry standards.
Supporting National Digital and Skill Development Goals
The collaborations are part of the Department of Telecommunications’ broader plan to create a Telecom Innovation, Research and Training Centre (TIRTC) at BRBRAITT. Envisioned as a centre of excellence, TIRTC will focus on telecom-specific research and development, product innovation, and entrepreneurship. It will also play a role in supporting national initiatives such as Digital India, Skill India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Courses will range from short, intensive two-week programmes to comprehensive 84-hour modules, designed for students, public sector employees, telecom service provider staff, and trainers. Phase 1 investments are expected to exceed ₹1 crore, underscoring the government’s commitment to building a robust digital talent pipeline through BSNL 5G training and related technology skill programmes.
Government and Industry Leaders on the Significance
Highlighting India’s potential in the global technology sector, Minister Scindia said, “Today the spotlight is on India. Not because we have the largest market in the world, but because we represent a significant opportunity. Nearly 50% of the world’s human resource talent resides here. Today is the beginning of a new dawn.”
Telecom Secretary Neeraj Mittal described the partnerships as a strategic step toward enhancing India’s competitiveness in the global telecom landscape. He noted that the public-private collaboration will be crucial in preparing a skilled workforce for the demands of next-generation communication systems.
Nitin Bansal, Country Head of Ericsson India, stressed that skilling is “not just about preparing for jobs, but empowering individuals and fostering innovation.” Similar sentiments were echoed by executives from the other partner companies, who view the initiative as a long-term investment in India’s digital future.
With potential future partnerships from Tata Consultancy Services and Tejas Networks on the horizon, the BSNL 5G training programme is positioned to become a key driver in India’s efforts to lead in telecom innovation and workforce development.
