New Delhi: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited is set for a major push in telecom and digital skilling as it partners with four global technology companies, Ericsson, Qualcomm, Cisco, and Nokia. The collaboration was announced by Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia as part of efforts to strengthen India’s digital infrastructure and equip young professionals with skills in 5G, artificial intelligence, machine learning, networking, and other emerging technologies.
The training and skilling programmes will be rolled out at BSNL’s apex institute, the Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training in Jabalpur. The initiative is aligned with Digital India, Skill India, Make in India, and Startup India programmes, while also reflecting BSNL’s turnaround with consecutive quarterly profits after nearly two decades.
Ericsson will set up a 5G centre of excellence at the training institute, offering practical exposure and access to global learning modules. Qualcomm will focus on advanced 5G and AI courses and provide internships, with sponsored training for the first 100 students. Cisco will expand its Networking Academy to reach more learners in networking and cybersecurity. Nokia will create a 5G and AI-ML Lab with joint certification from BSNL and Nokia, working with non-profit institutions to ensure wider access across the country.
The courses will range from short two-week modules to longer 84-hour programmes designed for students, professionals, and public sector employees. The focus extends beyond training to encourage product innovation, prototyping, and telecom entrepreneurship.
Scindia said the initiative will also generate employment in local economies, particularly in Madhya Pradesh, while building a globally competitive workforce. Consumers are expected to benefit through improved connectivity, faster services, and innovative telecom solutions.
“India’s achievements in expanding affordable broadband, enabling digital payments like UPI, and using tech for governance have become case studies across the world. The next wave of digital growth will be defined by technologies like 5G, AI, IoT and cybersecurity, and India won’t be a bystander. It will lead, innovate and set global benchmarks,” he said.
BI Bureau
