10 Biggest Telecommunications (Telecom) Companies

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. All figures are as of January 11, 2023, courtesy of YCharts.

#1 AT&T Inc. (T)

• Revenue (TTM): $163.71 billion
• Net Income (TTM): $20.04 billion
• Market Cap: $138.76 billion
• 1-Year Trailing Total Return: -21.88%
• Exchange: New York Stock Exchange

AT&T Inc. was incorporated in 1983 and has its headquarters in Dallas, TX. 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.

#2 Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ)

• Revenue (TTM): $135.65 billion
• Net Income (TTM): $19.29 billion
• Market Cap: $176.18 billion
• 1-Year Trailing Total Return: -17.53%
• Exchange: New York Stock Exchange

Formerly 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.

#3 Deutsche Telekom AG (DTEGY)

• Revenue (TTM): $124.19 billion
• Net Income (TTM): $8.11 billion
• Market Cap: $107.05 billion
• 1-Year Trailing Total Return: 25.68%
• Exchange: OTC

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 Germany, Eastern Europe, and the U.S.

It collaborated with VMware, Inc. to build a cloud-based platform that improves the functions of radio access networks for LTE and 5G networks. In addition, it works with Microsoft to provide superior cloud computing.

#4 Comcast Corp. (CMCSA)

• Revenue (TTM): $121.21 billion
• Net Income (TTM): $5.40 billion
• Market Cap: $167.17 billion
• 1-Year Trailing Total Return: -22.84%
• 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.

#5 Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp. (NTTYY)

• Revenue (TTM): $101.51 billion
• Net Income (TTM): $15.07 billion
• Market Cap: $96.92 billion
• 1-Year Trailing Total Return: 1.78%
• 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.

#6 T-Mobile US Inc. (TMUS)

• Revenue (TTM): $80.08 billion
• Net Income (TTM): $1.54 billion
• Market Cap: $186.08 billion
• 1-Year Trailing Total Return: 41.44%
• 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.

#7 Charter Communications (CHTR)

• Revenue (TTM): $53.56 billion
• Net Income (TTM): $5.47 billion
• Market Cap: $58.32 billion
• 1-Year Trailing Total Return: -38.12%
• 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 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. It has over 30 million customers in more than 40 states across the U.S.

#8 Vodafone Group PLC (VOD)

• Revenue (TTM): $49.01 billion
• Net Income (TTM): $2.22 billion
• Market Cap: $29.46 billion
• 1-Year Trailing Total Return: -28.72%
• 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. Vodafone has over 300 million mobile customers, over 27 million fixed broadband customers, and over 22 million TV service customers.

#9 Orange S.A. (ORAN)

• Revenue (TTM): $47.45 billion
• Net Income (TTM): $4.73 billion
• Market Cap: $28.13 billion
• 1-Year Trailing Total Return: 3.38%
• Exchange: New York Stock Exchange

Orange S.A. was established in 1994 and makes 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.

#10 KDDI Corp. (KDDIY)

• Revenue (TTM): $45.04 billion
• Net Income (TTM): $5.37 billion
• Market Cap: $65.02 billion
• 1-Year Trailing Total Return: 0.42%
• 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.

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.