India has taken a decisive step towards building a future-ready telecom ecosystem as state-owned BSNL forges global partnerships with four technology giants, Ericsson, Qualcomm, Cisco Systems, and Nokia.
The collaboration places Jabalpur’s Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training (BRBRAITT) at the centre of a transformative initiative aimed at advancing 5G, AI, and cybersecurity capabilities.
The initiative comes at a pivotal moment when connectivity is becoming the currency of progress, powering economies, creating jobs, and expanding opportunities.
The four global firms will help BSNL establish the Telecom Innovation, Research and Training Centre (TIRTC) at BRBRAITT, envisioned as a national hub for advanced telecom R&D and skill development. The centre will provide training not only to students but also to professionals and public sector employees, preparing India’s workforce for the global digital economy.
Ericsson will set up a 5G Centre of Excellence, offering hands-on modules and exposure to international best practices.
Qualcomm will launch advanced 5G and AI courses, sponsor the first 100 students, and provide internship opportunities.
Cisco will extend its Networking Academy to deliver training in networking and cybersecurity, ensuring nationwide access through partnerships with non-profits.
Nokia will build a 5G and AI-ML Lab, offering joint certification with BSNL to boost graduates’ industry recognition.
Programmes will range from two-week modules to comprehensive 84-hour courses, combining technical expertise with practical applications.
From skilling to innovation
Beyond training, the initiative aims to foster product innovation, prototyping, and telecom entrepreneurship.
This approach will transform learners from consumers of technology into creators, supporting India’s ambition to become not just a maker for its domestic market but also for global telecom demands.
Local economies, especially in Madhya Pradesh, are expected to benefit from job creation and innovation-driven growth. At the national level, the initiative will strengthen India’s ability to compete globally, accelerating the rollout of next-generation telecom services.
The partnership is closely aligned with the government’s flagship initiatives such as Digital India, Skill India, Make in India, and Startup India.
It also dovetails with BSNL’s revival story, as the telecom operator recently reported back-to-back net profits after 18 years.
India’s earlier successes, such as universalising digital payments through UPI, expanding affordable broadband, and applying technology in governance, are now being studied worldwide.
With 5G, AI, IoT, and cybersecurity defining the next phase of digital growth, India is positioning itself not as a follower but as a global leader and benchmark-setter.
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