State-owned telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has signed memoranda of understanding with Ericsson, Qualcomm, Cisco, and Nokia to roll out advanced digital training programmes at the Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training (BRBRAITT) in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.
The initiative, launched in the presence of Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, aims to train over 2,000 students each year in emerging technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), networking, and cybersecurity.
Scindia called the programme “the beginning of a new dawn,” emphasising India’s growing role in the global technology landscape. “Nearly 50% of the world’s human resource talent resides in India. This is not just about making in India, but making for the world,” he said.
As part of the agreements:
- Ericsson will set up a 5G Centre of Excellence and offer training through its global Ericsson Educate platform.
- Qualcomm will establish a Qualcomm Institute for 5G and AI training, provide internships, and sponsor the first 100 participants.
- Cisco will expand its Networking Academy programme, providing free online resources to enhance networking, cybersecurity, and IT skills.
- Nokia will create a 5G Centre of Excellence and AI/ML Lab, training 300 students annually in 5G networks and AI/ML applications.
The collaborations are part of the Department of Telecommunications’ plan to establish a Telecom Innovation, Research and Training Centre (TIRTC) at BRBRAITT, envisioned as a centre of excellence for telecom R&D, product innovation, and entrepreneurship under initiatives like Digital India, Skill India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The training will range from two-week modules to longer 84-hour courses, with initial investments exceeding ₹1 crore. According to Telecom Secretary Neeraj Mittal, the programme will cater to public sector staff, trainers, students, and telecom service provider employees through short-, medium-, and long-term modules.
Nitin Bansal, Country Head of Ericsson India, said skilling is key to driving innovation in the telecom sector. “India stands at the cusp of a digital revolution, and our success will depend on how well we equip our people for the future.”
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