BSNL Partners with Ericsson, Qualcomm, Cisco, and Nokia to Launch Industry-Led Digital Skilling Hub at BRBRAITT Jabalpur
TIRTC to Emerge as National Centre of Excellence for 5G, AI, Cybersecurity, and Networking
In a major push towards creating an industry-ready telecom workforce, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) today signed strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with global technology giants Ericsson India, Qualcomm Technologies, Cisco Systems, and Nokia Solutions at a ceremony in New Delhi.
The initiative, launched in the presence of Union Minister of Communications and DoNER Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, will roll out advanced skilling programs in 5G, AI/ML, cybersecurity, networking, and digital technologies at BSNL’s premier institute — Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training (BRBRAITT), Jabalpur.
The move aligns with the Department of Telecommunications’ plan to set up the Telecom Innovation, Research and Training Centre (TIRTC) at BRBRAITT — envisioned as an industry-led national hub for R&D, product innovation, and telecom entrepreneurship.
“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,” — Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Union Minister
Under the agreements:
- Ericsson will establish a 5G Centre of Excellence at BRBRAITT, offering hands-on and online training to over 2,000 students annually through its Ericsson Educate Program.
- Qualcomm will set up the Qualcomm Institute focusing on advanced 5G and AI skills, sponsoring the first 100 participants and providing premium online content and internships.
- Cisco will expand the Cisco Networking Academy for nationwide access to networking, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure training, especially for non-profit educational institutions.
- Nokia will create a 5G Centre of Excellence and AI/ML Lab to train 300 students annually in 5G radio, core networks, and AI/ML applications, with joint certification from BRBRAITT and Nokia.
Secretary (Telecom) Dr. Neeraj Mittal highlighted the public-private partnership model, noting that the initiative will benefit PSU staff, telecom service providers, students, and trainers through courses ranging from two weeks to 84 hours.
With Phase 1 investments exceeding ₹1 crore, the collaborations directly support national flagship programs — Digital India, Skill India, Make in India, Startup India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat — and aim to position Jabalpur as a hub for next-generation telecom education and innovation.
