New Delhi / Jabalpur: In a landmark initiative to create an industry-ready digital workforce, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) today signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with global tech leaders — Ericsson, Qualcomm, Cisco, and Nokia — to roll out advanced training programs in 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and networking at the Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training (BRBRAITT), Jabalpur.
This initiative marks a major step toward establishing India’s first industry-led national Telecom Innovation, Research and Training Centre (TIRTC), envisioned as a Centre of Excellence for emerging technologies such as 6G, 5G, AI/ML, cybersecurity, and advanced telecom R&D.
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Government-Industry Collaboration for Future-Ready Workforce
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony in New Delhi, Union Minister for Communications and DoNER, Jyotiraditya M. 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.”
“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,” he added.
The programme will train over 2,000 students annually, with Phase 1 investments exceeding ₹1 crore. Courses will range from short two-week modules to intensive 84-hour programmes, addressing both theoretical and practical dimensions of future telecom technologies.
TIRTC: India’s New Skilling and Innovation Nucleus
The planned Telecom Innovation, Research and Training Centre (TIRTC) at BRBRAITT will serve as a national hub for telecom research, product development, and workforce skilling, aligning with flagship missions such as Skill India, Digital India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary (Telecom), called the initiative a “unique public-private partnership”, adding, “This is not just about training government staff but about building a digital economy-ready youth workforce.”
Key Highlights of the MoUs
Ericsson India
To establish a 5G Centre of Excellence at BRBRAITT
Provides hands-on 5G training + access to the global Ericsson Educate Program
Over 2,000 students annually to benefit from blended online and onsite learning
Qualcomm Technologies Inc.
Setting up the Qualcomm Institute for 5G and AI/ML training
Includes premium online content, live sessions, and internship opportunities
First 100 participants to be trained under full sponsorship
Cisco Systems
To deploy Cisco Networking Academy Program
Training in networking, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure
Free online curriculum + national rollout through educational institutions
Nokia Solutions and Networks India Pvt. Ltd.
Supporting creation of 5G and AI/ML Labs
Training for 300 students annually
Joint certification from Nokia and BRBRAITT, with Telecom Sector Skill Council support
Broad National Impact
The TIRTC initiative will not only strengthen the telecom skilling ecosystem but also foster R&D capabilities and product innovation in telecom technology—particularly important as India eyes a leadership role in global 6G and AI-enabled telecom solutions.
In the long term, the project aims to build a broad consortium of Indian and international tech stakeholders, jointly driving skilling, innovation, and research in emerging telecom domains.
About BSNL
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is a public sector telecom company under the Ministry of Communications. Known for its pan-India telecom footprint, BSNL is playing a crucial role in providing secure, indigenous, and future-ready connectivity infrastructure across sectors.
