10 Biggest Telecommunications (Telecom) Companies
Networks and Communications

10 Biggest Telecommunications (Telecom) Companies

November 20, 2024
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Telecommunications companies use various technologies to transmit information globally. Some of the largest companies in the telecommunications sector provide telephone and wireless services, as well as Internet data and video communications.

The telecommunications sector is changing rapidly. Traditional technologies such as wireline (also known as landline or fixed-line) telephone, radio, and television once dominated the telecommunications universe. But wireless mobile and Internet technology are far more influential technologies and the companies managing them have become the most important players.

Below are the 10 biggest telecommunications companies by 12-month trailing (TTM) revenue. This list is limited to companies that are publicly traded in the U.S. or Canada, either directly or through ADRs. Some companies outside the U.S. report profits semi-annually instead of quarterly, so the 12-month trailing data may be older than it is for companies that report quarterly.

TTM revenue and net income are as of Q3 2024 unless otherwise stated. Market cap is as of Nov. 14, 2024. This information is provided by TradingView. The one-year trailing return is as of Nov. 14, 2024, and is provided by Morningstar.

Key Takeaways

  • The largest telecom companies in the world include Verizon, Comcast, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, and Nippon.
  • The companies listed are from the U.S., Germany, Japan, France, and the U.K.
  • Companies listed on foreign exchanges are available over the counter (OTC) through American depository receipts (ADRs) for American investors.
  • Trading OTC stocks often carries higher trading costs than trading stocks on exchanges. These can decrease potential returns.

  • Revenue (TTM): $134.24 billion
  • Net Income (TTM): $9.80 billion
  • Market Cap: $172.05 billion
  • 1-Year Trailing Total Return: 21.36%
  • Exchange: New York Stock Exchange

Previously known as Bell Atlantic Corporation, Verizon Communications was incorporated via merger in 2000 and is headquartered in New York, NY. Verizon is a holding company that provides communications, information, and entertainment products and services worldwide to consumers, businesses, and government organizations through its consumer and business segments.

It offers wireless voice and data services and equipment sales, as well as data and video communications products and services, such as broadband video, data center and cloud services, security and managed network services, and local and long-distance voice services.

  • Revenue (TTM): $123.07 billion
  • Net Income (TTM): $14.67 billion
  • Market Cap: $166.38 billion
  • 1-Year Trailing Total Return: 6.76%
  • Exchange: Nasdaq

Comcast Corporation was established in 1963 and its headquarters is located in Philadelphia, PA. Comcast is a media and technology company. It has five primary business segments: Cable Communications, Media, Studios, Theme Parks, and Sky.

Comcast delivers Xfinity-branded broadband, video, voice, wireless, and other services to residential and business customers. It offers the Peacock streaming service. Comcast also provides direct-to-consumer options that include video, broadband, voice, and wireless phone services.

Comcast Corp. runs Sky News broadcast and Sky Sports. It owns the Philadelphia Flyers professional hockey team as well as other sports teams

  • Revenue (TTM): $122.06 billion
  • Net Income (TTM): $9.06 billion
  • Market Cap: $159.65 billion
  • 1-Year Trailing Total Return: 49.46%
  • Exchange: New York Stock Exchange

AT&T Inc. has a long history dating back to 1876 when Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone. The current form of AT&T was established in 1984. It is a holding company that provides communications and digital entertainment services globally. Its services and products include wireless communications, data/broadband and Internet services, local and long-distance telephone services, telecommunications equipment, managed networking, and feature film, and television.

In April 2022, Discovery, Inc. and AT&T closed their transaction to combine the WarnerMedia business with Discovery, creating a new standalone media company.

Note

In 1877, the Bell Telephone Company was founded in Boston, MA. It was the first telephone company in the United States. In 1880, it was incorporated as the American Bell Telephone Company.

  • Revenue (TTM), Q2 2024: €113.26 billion ($119.62 billion)
  • Net Income (TTM), Q2 2024: €4.96 billion ($5.24 billion)
  • Market Cap: €143.04 billion ($151.06 billion)
  • 1-Year Trailing Total Return: 37.27%
  • Exchange: Deutsche Borse

Deutsche Telekom was established in 1995 and is headquartered in Bonn, Germany. The company is a provider of integrated telecommunications and information technology services. It offers fixed-line telephone services, mobile communications services, Internet access, and combined information technology and telecommunications services to customers in more than 50 countries.

  • Revenue (TTM), Q2 2024: ¥13.60 trillion ($87.55 billion)
  • Net Income (TTM), Q2 2024: ¥1.16 trillion ($7.47 billion)
  • Market Cap: ¥12.92 trillion ($83.16 billion)
  • 1-Year Trailing Total Return: -7.20%
  • Exchange: Tokyo Stock Exchange, OTC

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone was founded in 1952. Its headquarters is in Tokyo, Japan.

Nippon is a holding company that provides telecommunication services. It offers domestic intra-prefectural communication services, such as fixed voice-related, Internet Protocol (IP), and packet communications services.

Nippon sells telecommunications equipment and also provides system integration and network system services. Additionally, Nippon operates businesses in real estate, finance, and more.

  • Revenue (TTM): $80.01 billion
  • Net Income (TTM): $10.37 billion
  • Market Cap: $275.91 billion
  • 1-Year Trailing Total Return: 63.49%
  • Exchange: Nasdaq

T-Mobile US was established in 1994. Its headquarters is in Bellevue, WA. T-Mobile US is a major U.S. wireless carrier that operates in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It delivers various data plans as well as consumer and business telecommunications services.

T-Mobile also offers prepaid wireless products and services. It sells its devices and services, as well as those for Metro by T-Mobile, through company-owned and operated stores, websites, and its mobile app. In addition, it sells its products for resale to third-party distributors through third-party retail outlets and websites. In April 2020, T-Mobile completed its merger with Sprint Corp.

  • Revenue (TTM): $54.87 billion
  • Net Income (TTM): $4.67 billion
  • Market Cap: $112.12 billion
  • 1-Year Trailing Total Return: -4.96%
  • Exchange: Nasdaq

Charter Communications was established in 1993. Its headquarters is in Stamford, CT. A broadband and cable operator, Charter Communications provides consumers and businesses with Internet, mobile, and voice services, WiFi, virus and spyware protection, and high-performance wireless routers.

The company also offers voice-over Internet protocol (VOIP) communications and advertising opportunities for networks and local advertisers. Charter Communications owns and operates regional sports and news networks.

  • Revenue (TTM), H1 2024: €42.42 billion ($44.74 billion)
  • Net Income (TTM), H1 2024: €2.21 billion ($2.33 billion)
  • Market Cap: €25.94 billion ($27.36 billion)
  • 1-Year Trailing Total Return: -4.31%
  • Exchange: Euronext

Orange S.A. was established in 1994 and has its headquarters in Issy-les-Moulineaux, France. It is a multinational telecommunications company that operates in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. As one of Europe’s largest operators, Orange serves residential, professional, and large business clients.

The company provides services including fixed-line telephone, leased equipment, cloud platforms, mobile telecommunications, cable television, and Internet services. It also offers cybersecurity and mobile financial services. In addition, Orange provides national and international roaming services. Formerly known as France Telecom, it became Orange S.A. in 2013.

  • Revenue (TTM), Q2 2024: ¥5.83 trillion ($37.55 billion)
  • Net Income (TTM): ¥620.38 billion ($4.0 billion)
  • Market Cap: ¥10.50 trillion ($67.68 billion)
  • 1-Year Trailing Total Return: 11.17%
  • Exchange: Tokyo Stock Exchange, OTC

KDDI is based in Tokyo, Japan, and was incorporated in 1984. It provides personal and business telecommunications services internationally and within Japan.

In addition to cellular services (smartphone, mobile phone) and fixed-line services, the company provides network, data center, cloud/SaaS, security, and IoT services. It also offers financial and payment services. Further, it offers a variety of technology solutions for telecommunications carriers and cloud providers.

  • Revenue (TTM), H1 2024: £28.25 billion ($35.70 billion)
  • Net Income (TTM), H1 2024: £2.18 ($2.75 billion)
  • Market Cap: £18.01 billion ($22.76 billion)
  • 1-Year Trailing Total Return: 5.78%
  • Exchange: London Stock Exchange, Nasdaq

Vodafone Group was incorporated in 1983 and is headquartered in Newbury, the United Kingdom. The company provides a range of telecommunications services, including voice and data communications worldwide. It offers mobile services, such as call, text, and data access, as well as fixed-line services, including broadband, television, and voice. The company also offers Internet of Things (IoT), public and private cloud services, cloud-based applications, and products for securing networks and devices.

What’s the Focus of Telecom Companies?

The cornerstone of telecommunication companies has always been communication services and devices. While some telecoms have offered voice services (starting with the telephone and landline) for many decades, the focus has grown to include services related to data, text, and video.

Is the Telecom Sector a Good Investment?

The sector offers investors attractive investment opportunities due to its growth and income potential. And because telecommunications services are becoming essential services for consumers and businesses, the sector shows increasing stability throughout changing business cycles.

What’s the Origin of AT&T?

AT&T dates back to the 19th century and is connected with the invention of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell. It was originally known as the American Telegraph and Telephone Company and Bell was one of its founders.

The Bottom Line

There are many telecommunications companies throughout the world providing telecom services for global communication in a variety of forms. Voice, data, streaming video, mobile payments, and cloud computing are just some of the offerings.

While there are risks with any investment, telecom companies can offer investors the potential for both growth and income opportunities. The 10 biggest telecommunications companies listed above may be a good place to start your research.

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