10 Biggest Telecommunications Companies

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

The telecommunications sector is changing rapidly. Traditional technologies such as wireline telephone, radio, and television once dominated the telecommunications universe, but wireless mobile and Internet technology are quickly becoming the new norm.

These 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. The data in this story are 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 U.S., not on exchanges. Trading OTC stocks often carries higher trading costs than trading stocks on exchanges. This can lower or even outweigh potential returns.

This Post: 10 Biggest Telecommunications Companies

• Revenue (TTM): $172.9 billion
• Net Income (TTM): $11.1 billion
• Market Cap: $204.4 billion
• 1-Year Trailing Total Return: -19.7%
• 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 networking, and feature film, television, and gaming production and distribution. The company also owns and operates regional TV sports networks.

• Revenue (TTM): $128.4 billion
• Net Income (TTM): $18.3 billion
• Market Cap: $237.0 billion
• 1-Year Trailing Total Return: 1.7%
• Exchange: New York Stock Exchange

Verizon Communications is a holding company that provides communications, information, and entertainment products and services. 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): $108.7 billion
• Net Income (TTM): $7.9 billion
• Market Cap: $96.8 billion
• 1-Year Trailing Total Return: 10.3%
• Exchange: OTC

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone is a Japan-based 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, and sells telecommunications equipment. The company also provides mobile voice-related, IP, and packet communications services, as well as system integration and network system services. Additionally, Nippon operates businesses in real estate, finance, and more.

• Revenue (TTM): $106.0 billion
• Net Income (TTM): $3.5 billion
• Market Cap: $87.4 billion
• 1-Year Trailing Total Return: 17.0%
• Exchange: OTC

Deutsche Telekom is a Germany-based provider of telecommunications and information technology services. The company 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.

• Revenue (TTM): $59.9 billion
• Net Income (TTM): $3.1 billion
• Market Cap: $159.7 billion
• 1-Year Trailing Total Return: 68.3%
• Exchange: NASDAQ

T-Mobile US is a major U.S. wireless carrier offering various data plans as well as consumer and business telecommunications services. T-Mobile also offers prepaid wireless products and services as well. In April 2020, T-Mobile completed its merger with Sprint Corp., which the company expects to sharply increase its capacity by a factor of 14 in the coming 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
• 1-Year Trailing Total Return: -5.9%
• Exchange: NASDAQ

Vodafone Group is a U.K.-based company that provides a range of telecommunications services, including voice and data communications. 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.

• Revenue (TTM): $49.9 billion
• Net Income (TTM): $505.3 million
• Market Cap: $24.2 billion
• 1-Year Trailing Total Return: -29.4%
• Exchange: New York Stock Exchange

Telefonica is a Spain-based multinational integrated and diversified telecommunications group. The company is engaged in activities related to wireline, wireless, cable, data, Internet, and television businesses. Telefonica offers fixed telecommunication, Internet and broadband multimedia, and digital services such as IoT.

• Revenue (TTM): $49.0 billion
• Net Income (TTM): $3.4 billion
• Market Cap: $49.0 billion
• 1-Year Trailing Total Return: -3.8%
• Exchange: New York Stock Exchange

America Movil is a Mexico-based provider of telecommunications services to customers worldwide. The company offers wireless voice, wireless data, fixed voice, fixed broadband, fixed data, pay television, and information technology services.

• Revenue (TTM): $48.3 billion
• Net Income (TTM): $6.2 billion
• Market Cap: $70.3 billion
• 1-Year Trailing Total Return: 6.2%
• Exchange: OTC

KDDI is a Japan-based telecommunications operator. In addition to cellular services, the company provides network, data center, cloud/SaaS, security, and IoT services in Japan as well as dozens of other countries around the world. It also offers financial and payment services. KDDI serves individual customers and businesses.

• Revenue (TTM): $46.9 billion
• Net Income (TTM): $3.2 billion
• Market Cap: $32.7 billion
• 1-Year Trailing Total Return: -10.3%
• Exchange: New York Stock Exchange

Orange is a France-based multinational telecommunications company. As one of Europe’s largest operators, Orange serves residential, professional, and large business clients. The company provides services including fixed-line telephone, leased lines, data transmission, mobile telecommunications, cable television, internet services, and broadcasting. It also offers mobile financial services.