New Delhi, Aug 20 (NationPress) Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya M. Scindia regards BSNL's collaborations with the leading global tech firms Ericsson, Qualcomm, Cisco Systems, and Nokia as a revolutionary step that will not only enhance India's telecom infrastructure but also prepare the nation's youth with skills for the future.

These alliances are designed to expedite India's digital evolution and reinforce the skilling framework, with plans to initiate sophisticated training programs in 5G, AI/ML, networking, and digital technologies at BSNL's premier training center, the Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training (BRBRAITT) located in Jabalpur.

The minister emphasized in a recent article that India will not only produce for its own market but also for the world stage, with Jabalpur playing a crucial role in this transformation.

This partnership is in line with ongoing initiatives such as Digital India, Skill India, Make in India, and Startup India, establishing India as a global center for telecom innovation and knowledge. He further remarked that this initiative also revitalizes Aatmanirbhar Bharat, highlighted by BSNL's impressive recovery, achieving consecutive quarterly net profits for the first time in 18 years.

As per the partnership revealed by the Minister last week, Ericsson will set up a 5G center of excellence at BRBRAITT, providing practical training supported by world-class online modules to help students gain experience with global best practices, leveraging BSNL's robust telecom infrastructure.

Qualcomm will focus on advanced courses in 5G and AI, offering internships and sponsoring training for the first 100 students, thereby directly enhancing employability and creating pathways to careers in high-demand technology sectors.

Cisco will broaden its renowned Networking Academy to make quality training in networking and cybersecurity accessible to a wider audience.

By partnering with non-profits, it will ensure that learners across India have access to industry-relevant skills, regardless of their location. Nokia will launch a 5G and AI-ML Lab, emphasizing training in core networks and emerging telecom applications, with joint certification from both Nokia and BSNL, thereby enhancing the industry credibility of graduates.

The curriculum will range from intensive two-week modules to comprehensive 84-hour programs, catering to students, professionals, and public sector employees. Beyond skill acquisition, the initiative will foster product innovation, prototyping, and telecom entrepreneurship, transforming learners into creators of technology rather than mere consumers.

The minister pointed out that local economies, particularly in Madhya Pradesh, will experience a boost in employment opportunities, equipping India's workforce to compete globally. Consumers will benefit from improved connectivity, innovative telecom solutions, and quicker deployment of next-generation services.

"India's progress in expanding affordable broadband, enabling digital payments like UPI, and leveraging technology for governance has become a model for the world. The upcoming wave of digital advancement will be characterized by technologies such as 5G, AI, IoT, and cybersecurity, and India will not remain passive. It will lead, innovate, and establish global standards," the minister asserted.