10 Biggest Telecommunications (Telecom) Companies
Telecommunications companies use various technologies to transmit information globally. Some of the largest companies in the telecommunications industry provide landline and wireless telephone services, as well as data and video Internet communications.
The telecommunications industry is changing rapidly. Traditional technologies such as the landline telephone, radio and television once dominated the world of telecommunications, but mobile and wireless Internet technologies are rapidly becoming the new normal.
These are the 10 largest telecommunications companies by 12-month revenue (TTM). This list is limited to companies listed on stock exchanges in the United States or Canada, either directly or through ADR. Some companies outside the United States report earnings semi-annually instead of quarterly, so 12-month data may be older than for companies that report quarterly. Data for this story comes from YCharts.com.All figures are as of January 12, 2021.
Some of the stocks below are only traded over-the-counter (OTC) in the United States, not on an exchange. Trading stocks OTC often incurs higher trading costs than trading stocks on an exchange. This can reduce or even exceed potential returns.
- Revenue (TTM): $172.9 billion
- Net income (TTM): $11.1 billion
- Market cap: $204.4 billion
- Total return over 1 year: -19.7%
- Stock Exchange: New York Stock Exchange
AT&T is a holding company that provides communications and digital entertainment services globally. Its services and products include wireless communications, data/broadband and Internet services, digital video services, local and long distance telephone services, telecommunications equipment, managed networks and feature film production and distribution, television and games. The company also owns and operates regional television sports networks.
- Revenue (TTM): $128.4 billion
- Net income (TTM): $18.3 billion
- Market cap: $237.0 billion
- Total return over 1 year: 1.7%
- Stock Exchange: New York Stock Exchange
Verizon Communications is a holding company that provides communications, information and entertainment products and services. It offers services and sales of wireless voice and data equipment, as well as data and video communications products and services, such as broadband video, data center and cloud services, security and managed network, as well as local and long distance voice services.
- Revenue (TTM): $108.7 billion
- Net income (TTM): $7.9 billion
- Market cap: $96.8 billion
- Total return over 1 year: 10.3%
- Exchange: OTC
Nippon Telegraph & Telephone is a Japan-based holding company engaged in the provision of telecommunications services. It offers national intra-prefectural communication services, such as fixed telephone, Internet protocol (IP) and packet communication services, and sells telecommunications equipment. The company also provides mobile, IP and packet voice communications services, as well as system and network system integration services. Additionally, Nippon operates businesses in real estate, finance, etc.
- Revenue (TTM): $106.0 billion
- Net income (TTM): $3.5 billion
- Market cap: $87.4 billion
- Total return over 1 year: 17.0%
- Exchange: OTC
Deutsche Telekom is a German provider of telecommunications and information technology services. The company offers landline telephone services, mobile communications services, Internet access and combined information technology and telecommunications services to customers in Germany, Eastern Europe and the United States.
- Revenue (TTM): $59.9 billion
- Net income (TTM): $3.1 billion
- Market cap: $159.7 billion
- Total return over 1 year: 68.3%
- Stock exchange: NASDAQ
T-Mobile US is a major US mobile carrier offering various data plans as well as consumer and business telecommunications services. T-Mobile also offers prepaid wireless products and services. In April 2020, T-Mobile completed its merger with Sprint Corp., whose company plans to dramatically increase its capacity by a factor of 14 over the next six years. It sells devices and services through company-owned and operated stores and websites.
- Revenue (TTM): $50.5 billion
- Net income (TTM): $2.9 billion
- Market cap: $46.1 billion
- Total return over 1 year: -5.9%
- Stock exchange: NASDAQ
Vodafone Group is a UK-based company that provides a range of telecommunications services, including voice and data communications. It offers mobile services, such as calls, SMS 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 network and device security products.
- Revenue (TTM): $49.9 billion
- Net income (TTM): $505.3 million
- Market cap: $24.2 billion
- Total return over 1 year: -29.4%
- Stock Exchange: New York Stock Exchange
Telefonica is an integrated and diversified multinational telecommunications group based in Spain. The Company is engaged in businesses related to wireline, wireless, cable, data, Internet and television businesses. Telefonica offers fixed telecommunications, Internet and broadband multimedia services, as well as digital services such as IoT.
- Revenue (TTM): $49.0 billion
- Net income (TTM): $3.4 billion
- Market cap: $49.0 billion
- Total return over 1 year: -3.8%
- Stock Exchange: New York Stock Exchange
America Movil is a Mexican provider of telecommunications services to customers around the world. The Company offers wireless voice, wireless data, fixed voice, fixed broadband, fixed data, pay TV and information technology services.
- Revenue (TTM): $48.3 billion
- Net income (TTM): $6.2 billion
- Market cap: $70.3 billion
- Total return over 1 year: 6.2%
- Exchange: OTC
KDDI is a telecommunications operator based in Japan. In addition to cellular services, the company provides network, data center, cloud/SaaS, security and IoT services in Japan and dozens of other countries around the world. It also offers financial and payment services. KDDI is at the service of individuals and businesses.
- Revenue (TTM): $46.9 billion
- Net income (TTM): $3.2 billion
- Market cap: $32.7 billion
- Total return over 1 year: -10.3%
- Stock Exchange: New York Stock Exchange
Orange is a multinational telecommunications company based in France. As one of the largest European operators, Orange serves residential, professional and large enterprise customers. The Company provides services such as fixed telephony, leased lines, data transmission, mobile telecommunications, cable television, Internet services and broadcasting. It also offers mobile financial services.