In August 2025, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) signed a Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with 4 global tech giants namely: Ericsson India Pvt. Limited; Qualcomm Technologies Inc., Cisco Systems, and Nokia Solutions and Networks India Pvt. Limited, aimed to drive digital transformation as well as strengthen the skilling ecosystem in India.
- The program will train over 2,000 students annually, with Phase 1 investments exceeding Rs1 crore and These MoUs were signed in the presence of Union Minister Jyotiraditya Madhavrao (M.)Scindia, Ministry of Communications (MoC) during a ceremony held in New Delhi, Delhi.
Key Signatories: MoUs were signed between A. Robert J. Ravi, Managing Director (MD) of BSNL and Tarun Chhabra, Country Head, Nokia India; Harish Krishnan, MD and Chief Policy Officer of CISCO; Nitin Bansal, MD of India Head Network Solutions, South East Asia, Oceania, and India, Ericsson India; and Savi Soni, President of Qualcomm India.
Exam Hints:
- What? Signing of MoU
- Entities Involved: BSNL and Ericsson India, Qualcomm Technologies Inc., Cisco Systems, and Nokia Solutions and Networks India.
- Key Areas of Digital Skilling: 5G, AI/ ML, networking, and digital technologies
- Location: BRBRAITT in Jabalpur, MP
- Setup 5G CoE: by Ericsson India Pvt. Limited; to train 2,000 students annually
About MoUs:
Areas of Advance Training: These MoUs will roll out advance skilling programmes in 5G, Artificial Intelligence (AI)/ Machine Language (ML), networking, and digital technologies at Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training (BRBRAITT) in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh (MP).
- These MoUs align with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the MoC plans to establish a Telecom Innovation, Research and Training Centre (TIRTC) at BRBRAITT, envisioned as industry-led national hub.
key initiatives under these MoUs
Ericsson India: It will help in establishing a dedicated Ericsson 5G Centre of Excellence (CoE) at BRBRAITT. It will offer hands-on 5G training as well as online learning modules under the Ericsson Educate Program to more than 2000 students annually.
Qualcomm Technologies Inc.: Under the agreement, Qualcomm will establish a Qualcomm Institute at BRBRAITT. It will mainly focus on advanced 5G and AI training for students, BSNL trainers, and government stakeholders.
Cisco Systems: As part of the MoU, Cisco Systems will use its Cisco Networking Academy Program to improve skills in networking, cyber security, and Information Technology (IT) infrastructure.
Nokia Solutions and Networks India Pvt. Ltd.: It will provide support in the development of 5G CoE and AI/ML Lab at BRBRAITT to train 300 students every year in areas like: 5G radio, core networks, and AI/ML applications.
About Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL):
Managing Director (MD)- A. Robert Jerad Ravi
Headquarters- New Delhi, Delhi
Established- 2000
