BSNL's global tech tie-ups put Jabalpur at the heart of India's 5G and AI future
The four companies have joined forces to establish training centres at BSNL's apex training institute, Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training (BRBRAITT) in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. This marks a major step toward creating the national telecom R&D and skilling hub, Telecom Innovation, Research and Training Centre (TIRTC). TIRTC is envisioned to emerge as a global centre of excellence for advanced communications, 5G, 6G, AI and cybersecurity training.
Ericsson will set up a 5G centre of excellence at BRBRAITT, delivering hands-on training supported by world-class online modules, enabling students to gain exposure to global best practices, while benefiting from BSNL's robust telecom infra. Qualcomm will specialise in advanced 5G and AI courses, offering internships and sponsoring training for the first 100 students, thereby directly boosting employability and opening pathways to careers in high-demand tech sectors. Cisco will expand its renowned Networking Academy to democratise access to quality training in networking and cybersecurity. By collaborating with non-profit institutions, it will ensure that learners across India, regardless of location, have access to industry-relevant skills. Nokia will establish a 5G and AI-ML Lab, focusing on training in core networks and emerging telecom applications, with joint certification from Nokia and BSNL, enhancing graduates' industry credibility.The curriculum, spanning from intensive 2-wk modules to comprehensive 84-hr programmes, is designed for students, working professionals and public sector employees. Beyond skilling, the initiative will encourage product innovation, prototyping and telecom entrepreneurship, turning learners into creators, not just consumers, of tech.Local economies, especially in Madhya Pradesh, will benefit from increased employment opportunities, while India as a whole gains a workforce equipped to compete on a global stage. For consumers, the ripple effect will be better connectivity, more innovative telecom solutions, and faster rollout of next-gen services.
From local to global, India won't just make in India but for the world. And Jabalpur will be at the heart of this transformation. Aligned with existing initiatives like Digital India, Skill India, Make in India and Startup India, this collaboration positions India as a global hub for telecom innovation and expertise. It also gives a fresh boost to Aatmanirbhar Bharat with BSNL's remarkable comeback, achieving consecutive quarterly net profits after 18 years on its path to profitability. 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.
(The writer is minister of communications, GoI)
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of www.economictimes.com.) Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. Hacking, ransom, lawsuits: Why social engineering is TCS, Cognizant's latest headache
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