Tech Giant Collaborations Propel BSNL for 5G, AI, and Cybersecurity Training at BRBRAITT Jabalpur
Global Tech Giants Collaborate with BSNL to Boost India's Digital Skills
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has forged strategic partnerships with Ericsson India, Qualcomm Technologies, Cisco Systems, and Nokia Solutions and Networks India to launch advanced training initiatives in 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), networking, and other digital technologies. These collaborations are centred at the Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training (BRBRAITT) in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.
The collaborations aim at accelerating India's digital transformation and strengthening the skilling ecosystem. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, plans to establish a Telecom Innovation, Research and Training Centre (TIRTC) at BRBRAITT.
Ericsson India's 5G Centre of Excellence
Ericsson India will establish a dedicated 5G Centre of Excellence at BRBRAITT, offering hands-on training on next-generation mobile technologies including 5G and Internet of Things (IoT). This centre will deliver instructor-led face-to-face sessions and provide online modules through the Ericsson Educate Program. The training covers 5G architecture, key use cases, and practical exposure to 5G equipment for over 2,000 engineering students annually.
Qualcomm Technologies' Qualcomm Institute
Qualcomm Technologies will establish a Qualcomm Institute at BRBRAITT focusing on advanced 5G and AI training. The program targets students, BSNL trainers, and government stakeholders, featuring premium content, live sessions, internships, and sponsored initial training for 100 participants.
Cisco Systems' Cisco Networking Academy Program
Cisco Systems will provide a free online curriculum and tools to strengthen skills in networking, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure. BSNL will coordinate the nationwide implementation across non-profit educational institutions, broadening skillsets beyond 5G to cybersecurity and IT.
Nokia Solutions and Networks India's 5G Centre of Excellence and AI/ML Lab
Nokia Solutions and Networks India will support the creation of a 5G Centre of Excellence and an AI/ML lab at BRBRAITT, training about 300 students annually in 5G radio, core networks, and AI/ML applications. Nokia and BRBRAITT will jointly offer certification programs supported by the Telecom Sector Skill Council (TSSC).
The overall initiative is designed to train approximately 2,000 to 2,200 students annually with courses ranging from short two-week modules to intensive 84-hour programs. It integrates both theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on experience. The goal is to bridge India's telecom skills gap, boost digital readiness, and support flagship government programs like Digital India, Skill India, and Make in India, positioning Jabalpur as a hub for telecom innovation and skills development.
Secretary (Telecom) Dr. Neeraj Mittal stated that the initiative is a private-public partnership where four companies, along with BSNL, will train not only public sector staff and trainers, but also students and employees of telecom service providers through short-, medium-, and long-term courses. The aim is to position BRBRAITT as a hub for advanced, scalable, and industry-relevant digital skill development.
- In an effort to supplement India's digital transformation, Ericsson India, through its 5G Centre of Excellence at the Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training (BRBRAITT), will offer extensive training on 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), and other advanced digital technologies to over 2,000 engineering students annually.
- As part of this collaborative initiative, Qualcomm Technologies will establish a Qualcomm Institute at BRBRAITT, providing premium training in 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), and other cutting-edge technologies to students, BSNL trainers, and government stakeholders, thus contributing to the development of India's digital skills landscape.
