In a strategic move to strengthen India’s digital and technological capabilities, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has announced partnerships with global tech giants Ericsson, Qualcomm, Cisco, and Nokia to train its workforce in 5G, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), networking, and cybersecurity. The initiative will be carried out under the Telecom Industry Readiness Training Centre (TIRTC) programme at the Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training (BRBRAITT), Jabalpur.
Centres of Excellence and Training Facilities
As part of the collaboration, Ericsson and Nokia will set up 5G Centres of Excellence at BRBRAITT. These centres will provide hands-on experience in 5G technologies, from core infrastructure to advanced use cases in healthcare, manufacturing, and smart cities. The goal is to ensure BSNL’s engineers and technical teams are fully prepared for the rollout and scaling of India’s 5G networks.
Meanwhile, Qualcomm will launch an AI Training Institute at the facility. The institute will focus on AI/ML concepts, algorithms, and their applications in telecom, enabling BSNL’s workforce to design and deploy AI-driven network optimisations and customer service solutions.
Cisco, through its Networking Academy, will deliver training in advanced networking, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies. This will not only enhance BSNL’s core network management capabilities but also prepare employees to tackle evolving cyber threats in an increasingly connected environment.
Empowering National Missions
The multi-partner training programme aligns with the Digital India, Skill India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat missions by building a skilled telecom workforce capable of driving innovation and supporting India’s technological self-reliance. With India’s telecom industry evolving rapidly, especially with the advent of 5G and AI-driven networks, the initiative aims to bridge the skill gap and future-proof the country’s telecom sector.
Training Modules and Objectives
The training at BRBRAITT will include:
- 5G Network Architecture and Deployment – practical insights into spectrum, radio access, and core network systems
- AI/ML Applications in Telecom – predictive maintenance, network traffic management, and customer analytics
- Networking Fundamentals to Advanced Concepts – IP routing, switching, and software-defined networking (SDN)
- Cybersecurity – securing telecom infrastructure against threats, intrusion detection, and incident response
These modules are designed to equip BSNL employees with both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise, ensuring readiness for next-generation telecom operations.
Industry Impact and Future Plans
This large-scale workforce development plan will not only benefit BSNL but is expected to have a ripple effect across the Indian telecom ecosystem. Trained personnel could contribute to collaborative projects, research, and development, and potentially support telecom infrastructure for government and enterprise sectors.
BSNL’s partnerships with Ericsson, Nokia, Qualcomm, and Cisco reflect a forward-looking vision—positioning the state-owned telecom operator as both a service provider and a technology enabler in India’s digital growth journey. With the first batch of training sessions expected to begin soon, this collaboration marks a significant milestone in advancing India’s telecom readiness for the 5G era and beyond.
