Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has announced a strategic collaboration with global technology leaders — Ericsson, Qualcomm, Cisco, and Nokia — to establish India’s first large-scale AI and 5G Digital Skilling Hub. The initiative aims to train over 1 crore learners in emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, 5G, cybersecurity, and advanced networking.
The hub will be set up at the Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training (BRBRAITT) in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, and will serve as a national centre for industry-led digital upskilling. The programme will initially focus on training 2,000 students annually, with the goal of expanding nationwide to bridge India’s tech skill gap.
A Public-Private Push for Digital Skills
The skilling hub is part of a wider Digital Bharat vision, aiming to equip students, professionals, and industry employees with competencies in next-generation technologies. BSNL will provide the infrastructure and training facilities, while Ericsson, Qualcomm, Cisco, and Nokia will contribute domain expertise, curriculum development, and access to global best practices.
The programme is designed to address India’s growing demand for talent in the AI and 5G sectors, which are expected to be major drivers of economic growth over the next decade. According to industry estimates, the AI market in India is projected to reach $17 billion by 2027, while the 5G ecosystem is set to contribute $450 billion to GDP by 2040.
Multi-Disciplinary Curriculum
The training modules will span a range of subjects, including:
- AI & Machine Learning – covering natural language processing, computer vision, and AI ethics.
- 5G Technologies – from network architecture and deployment to use cases in IoT, manufacturing, and smart cities.
- Cybersecurity – tackling data protection, encryption, and threat mitigation strategies.
- Networking & Cloud – focusing on software-defined networks, edge computing, and cloud integration.
Learners will gain hands-on experience through lab simulations, live projects, and access to testbeds, enabling them to understand real-world applications.
Global Partnerships Driving Local Impact
Each global partner brings a distinct area of expertise to the table:
- Ericsson will contribute knowledge on 5G network design, deployment, and optimisation, as well as spectrum management best practices.
- Qualcomm will focus on AI chipset technologies, wireless communication protocols, and IoT integrations.
- Cisco will deliver advanced networking and cybersecurity training, leveraging its global networking academy framework.
- Nokia will add modules on private 5G networks, industrial automation, and sustainable telecom infrastructure.
BSNL officials have stated that the initiative is designed not just for telecom engineers but for students from diverse educational backgrounds looking to enter the AI and digital technology space.
Bridging India’s Talent Gap
India’s rapid digital transformation has created a demand-supply mismatch in tech skills. While the country produces millions of graduates each year, only a fraction have industry-ready skills in AI, data science, and next-generation connectivity.
Industry leaders believe that initiatives like the BSNL Skilling Hub could help reduce dependency on imported expertise and position India as a global hub for AI and 5G talent.
An Ericsson India spokesperson said, “By combining BSNL’s nationwide reach with the technical expertise of our consortium, we are empowering the next generation to lead in the global tech economy.”
Government Support & Long-Term Goals
The initiative aligns with the Indian government’s Digital India and Skill India missions, which aim to train millions in emerging technologies to boost employability and innovation. Officials have hinted that similar hubs could be replicated in other states if the Jabalpur centre proves successful.
BSNL’s vision extends beyond just technical training. The company plans to introduce entrepreneurship modules, encouraging learners to develop AI- and 5G-based solutions for sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, logistics, and education.
The Road Ahead
With AI adoption expected to grow 25% annually and 5G networks expanding rapidly, the demand for skilled professionals will only intensify. The BSNL-led consortium’s approach — blending global expertise with local implementation — could become a model for future industry-academia partnerships in India.
If the project meets its ambitious target of training 1 crore learners, it will mark a significant milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global leader in digital innovation.
As the first batch of trainees prepares to begin classes in Jabalpur later this year, the success of the programme will depend on maintaining industry relevance, updating curricula in line with technological advancements, and ensuring inclusive access for learners across the country.