In a significant move towards creating industry-ready skilled manpower, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) on Monday 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. in the presence of Union Minister of Communications and DoNER Jyotiraditya M. Scindia.
Aimed at accelerating India’s digital transformation and strengthening the skilling ecosystem, these partnerships will roll out advanced 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.
This initiative is a step towards a broader plan by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, 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 — aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of Skill India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. It will also support long-term product innovation, prototyping, and telecom entrepreneurship.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Scindia described the initiative as “a landmark step in building a skilled and future-ready telecom workforce through collaboration between BSNL and leading global technology companies.”
“Backed by industry leaders such as Ericsson, Nokia, Cisco, Qualcomm, and BSNL, 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,” he noted.
Reaffirming India’s global ambitions, Mr Scindia 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 emphasized, “Government and industry are two sides of the same coin. Together, we can turn the aspirations of our youth into reality.”
Secretary (Telecom) Neeraj Mittal highlighted the unique nature of the initiative, saying, “It’s a private-public partnership where four companies, along with BSNL, are joining hands to train not only public sector staff and trainers, but also students and employees of telecom service providers through short, medium, and long-term courses.”