Collaboration of BSNL with international technology companies for 5G, Artificial Intelligence, and digital training
BSNL Launches Comprehensive Digital Skilling Programme at BRBRAITT
In a significant step towards India's digital transformation, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has announced a multi-partner digital skilling programme. The initiative, launched at the Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training (BRBRAITT) in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, aims to train over 2,000 students annually in cutting-edge technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), networking, and cybersecurity.
The programme is part of the Department of Telecommunications' plan to establish a Telecom Innovation, Research and Training Centre (TIRTC) at BRBRAITT. This centre is designed as an industry-led hub to develop telecom-specific research talent and a future-ready workforce supporting India's digital transformation and aligning with the government's Skill India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
Key components of the programme include:
- Nokia will establish a 5G Centre of Excellence and an AI/ML Lab at BRBRAITT, providing training to 300 students annually on 5G radio technologies, core networks, and AI/ML applications.
- Ericsson India will set up an Ericsson 5G Centre of Excellence at BRBRAITT, offering hands-on training and online learning via the Ericsson Educate Program to more than 2,000 students annually. Ericsson will provide global curriculum, trainers, and lab infrastructure, while BSNL offers classroom facilities.
- Qualcomm Technologies will launch a Qualcomm Institute focusing on advanced 5G and AI training tailored for students, BSNL trainers, and government stakeholders. This includes premium content, live sessions, internships, and sponsored training opportunities for the first 100 participants in its inaugural year.
- Cisco Systems will implement the Cisco Networking Academy Program to enhance skills in networking, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure. Cisco will supply a free online curriculum and training tools, and BSNL will oversee nationwide implementation across non-profit educational bodies.
The collaboration also includes provisions for potential employment opportunities for programme graduates, with additional companies like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Tejas Networks expected to join these skilling efforts.
Nitin Bansal, country head of Ericsson India, emphasized that skilling is crucial for India's digital revolution and empowering individuals. The telecom secretary, Neeraj Mittal, stated that the partnership aims to skill individuals and foster innovation. Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced the initiative in his presence.
This public-private partnership will train not only public sector staff and trainers but also students and employees of telecom service providers through short-term, medium-term, and long-term courses. The programme is expected to position India as a significant opportunity and global teacher in the field of 5G, AI/ML, networking, and cybersecurity.
- The BSNL's digital skilling programme, launched at BRBRAITT, will focus on training students in cutting-edge technologies like 5G, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, aligning with the government's Skill India initiative.
- Nokia will establish a 5G Centre of Excellence and an AI/ML Lab at BRBRAITT as part of this programme, providing annual training to 300 students on 5G technologies and AI/ML applications.
- Ericsson India will set up an Ericsson 5G Centre of Excellence at BRBRAITT, offering hands-on training and online learning via the Ericsson Educate Program to over 2,000 students on 5G technologies annually.
- Qualcomm Technologies will launch a Qualcomm Institute focusing on advanced 5G and AI training for students, BSNL trainers, and government stakeholders, potentially offering sponsored training opportunities for its initial 100 participants.
- The collaboration between BSNL and various tech companies, such as Cisco Systems, may provide employment opportunities for programme graduates and position India as a global leader in the fields of 5G, AI/ML, networking, and cybersecurity, contributing significantly to India's digital transformation and business growth in technology and finance.
