BSNL partners Ericsson, Nokia, Qualcomm and Cisco to boost 5G, AI, and digital skills

Through its pact with Cisco Systems, BSNL will deploy the Cisco Networking Academy Program to strengthen skills in networking, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure.

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has signed strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Ericsson India, Qualcomm Technologies, Cisco Systems, and Nokia Solutions and Networks India to roll out advanced skilling programmes in 5G, AI/ML, networking, and other digital technologies at its apex training institute, Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training (BRBRAITT), Jabalpur.

Under the agreement with Ericsson India, the partners will set up an Ericsson 5G Centre of Excellence at BRBRAITT, offering hands-on training and online learning under the Ericsson Educate Program for more than 2,000 students annually. BSNL will provide classroom infrastructure, while Ericsson will supply global curriculum, trainers, and lab facilities.

Qualcomm Technologies will establish a Qualcomm Institute focused on advanced 5G and AI training for students, BSNL trainers, and government stakeholders, offering premium content, live sessions, internships, and sponsored training for the first 100 participants in the first year.

Through its pact with Cisco Systems, BSNL will deploy the Cisco Networking Academy Program to strengthen skills in networking, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure. Cisco will provide a free online curriculum and tools, while BSNL will coordinate nationwide implementation across non-profit educational institutions.

Nokia Solutions and Networks India will create a 5G Centre of Excellence and AI/ML Lab at BRBRAITT to train 300 students annually in 5G radio, core networks, and AI/ML applications, along with a joint Nokia–BRBRAITT certification programme supported by the Telecom Sector Skill Council.

The collaborations are aligned with the Department of Telecommunications’ plan to establish a Telecom Innovation, Research and Training Centre (TIRTC) at BRBRAITT, envisioned as a national hub for telecom R&D talent, product innovation, and entrepreneurship, supporting the Skill India and Atmanirbhar Bharat missions.

The MoUs were signed in New Delhi in the presence of Union Minister of Communications and DoNER Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Secretary Telecom Neeraj Mittal, senior DoT and BSNL officials, and representatives of the partner companies.