BSNL, Global Tech Giants Partner to Train India’s Next-Gen Telecom Workforce

By equipping India’s youth with critical future-tech skills, the program will help create a self-reliant, globally competitive digital workforce and foster a culture of innovation.

In a landmark step towards creating a skilled, industry-ready telecom workforce, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) today 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 signing took place in the presence of Union Minister of Communications and DoNER, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, signalling a major public–private push to accelerate India’s digital transformation and strengthen its skilling ecosystem.

The agreements will bring cutting-edge training in 5G, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), networking, and digital technologies to BSNL’s apex training institute, the Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training (BRBRAITT) in Jabalpur. This initiative is part of a broader plan by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to establish a Telecom Innovation, Research and Training Centre (TIRTC)—envisioned as an industry-led national hub for telecom-specific R&D talent and a future-ready workforce.

Ceremony and Dignitaries

The MoU signing ceremony, held in New Delhi, was attended by:

• Shri Rakesh Singh, PWD Minister, Government of Madhya Pradesh

• Shri Ashish Dubey, MP (Jabalpur)

• Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary (Telecom)

• Senior officials from DoT and BSNL

• Representatives from the four partner companies

MoUs were signed by Shri A. Robert J. Ravi, MD, BSNL with:

• Shri Tarun Chhabra, Country Head, Nokia India

• Shri Harish Krishnan, MD & Chief Policy Officer, Cisco

• Shri Nitin Bansal, MD & India Head Network Solutions, Ericsson India

• Shri Savi Soni, President, Qualcomm India

“A Landmark Step” in Skilling

Calling the initiative “a landmark step in building a skilled and future-ready telecom workforce,” Minister Scindia said the program—backed by four global leaders and BSNL—will train over 2,000 students annually in Phase 1, with investments exceeding ₹1 crore. Training will range from two-week short modules to intensive 84-hour programs, positioning Jabalpur as a hub for advanced technology education.

Reaffirming India’s ambitions, Scindia declared:

“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. Government and industry are two sides of the same coin. Together, we can turn the aspirations of our youth into reality.”

Public–Private Partnership Model

Telecom Secretary Dr. Neeraj Mittal underscored the unique public–private partnership model, explaining that the collaboration will train not only public sector staff and trainers but also students and private telecom employees through short, medium, and long-term courses.

“This will boost employment and the economy, not only in Madhya Pradesh but across the country,” Dr. Mittal said.

Key Initiatives Under the MoUs

Ericsson India

• Establishment of a 5G Centre of Excellence at BRBRAITT.

• Hands-on training and online modules under the Ericsson Educate Program for 2,000+ students annually.

• BSNL to provide classroom infrastructure; Ericsson to supply global curriculum, trainers, and lab facilities.

Qualcomm Technologies Inc.

• Launch of a Qualcomm Institute at BRBRAITT focusing on advanced 5G and AI training.

• Training for BSNL trainers, government stakeholders, and students.

• Sponsored training for the first 100 participants in the inaugural year.

• Emphasis on scalable, industry-relevant digital skills.

Cisco Systems

• Deployment of the Cisco Networking Academy Program to enhance skills in networking, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure.

• Free online curriculum and digital tools for learners.

• BSNL to facilitate implementation across non-profit institutions nationwide, promoting equitable access.

Nokia Solutions and Networks India Pvt. Ltd.

• Support for a 5G Centre of Excellence and AI/ML Lab at BRBRAITT.

• Training 300 students annually in 5G radio, core networks, and AI/ML applications.

• Joint certification by Nokia and BRBRAITT with Telecom Sector Skill Council backing.

Aligned with National Missions

These collaborations directly support India’s flagship initiatives—Digital India, Skill India, Make in India, Startup India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat—and aim to build deep, long-term capabilities in next-generation telecom technologies.

By equipping India’s youth with critical future-tech skills, the program will help create a self-reliant, globally competitive digital workforce and foster a culture of innovation. The long-term vision includes forming a broad consortium of Indian and global technology stakeholders to jointly drive training, R&D, and entrepreneurship in advanced telecom domains.