Wireless Telecommunications Carriers NAICS 517112
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Industry Summary
The 5,000 wireless telecommunications carriers develop, manage, operate, and maintain switching and transmission facilities that provide communications through the airwaves. Wireless telecommunication is the transmission of voice and data through electromagnetic signals that enable users to communicate through various devices, such as cellular phones. Major service categories include wireless voice, wireless data, wireline (landline), broadband, media, and security. Firms may also sell communications devices, like smartphones and tablets.
High Industry Concentration
The US wireless telecommunications industry is virtually an oligopoly that is dominated by a handful of large companies.
Capital Intensity
Wireless communication is capital-intensive and requires a significant investment in spectrum and network infrastructure.
Recent Developments
May 6, 2025 - Smartphone Sales Decrease
- The US smartphone market, an indicator of demand for wireless telecommunications service, contracted 2% year-over-year in Q1 2025, according to Counterpoint Research. The premium segment, defined as devices priced above $800, took the hardest hit as both Apple and Samsung saw sales decrease. “Carriers have attempted to offset market weakness by prioritizing strong device promotions,” said Maurice Klaehne, Senior Research Analyst at Counterpoint.
- Telecommunications industry core products and services are becoming commodities according to professional services firm PWC. Firms have difficulty raising prices while facing a continual need to invest in infrastructure. PWC notes, however, that there are always niches of expansion and opportunities for companies in industries with relatively slow growth. A sweeping reconfiguration of legacy industries will create a greater demand for connectivity and communications services in the coming years, according to PWC. Key megatrends within the telco industry itself are causing a sweeping internal reconfiguration, which is opening up many new opportunities. These include strategic investments in AI, fixed connectivity, and B2B service; working with investors and regulators to create opportunities to optimize market structure; and deploying deals to build scale.
- Wireless-only is by far the dominant telecommunications service in US households, according to the US Census Bureau. About 47.7% of US adults lived in a wireless-only household and 43.7% in a household with both landline and wireless service in 2015. By 2022, the share of adults living in wireless-only households had jumped to 72.6% while the share in households with both landline and wireless had dipped to 25.4%. The share of adults living in landline-only households dropped from 5.8% in 2015 to 1.3% in 2022.
- Wireless telecommunications carrier industry employment decreased slightly during the first three months of 2025, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Wireless telecommunications carriers increased prices slightly during 2024, according to the BLS. Wireless telecommunications carrier sales are forecast to grow at a 4.94% compounded annual rate from 2025 to 2029, faster than the growth of the overall economy, according to Inforum and the Interindustry Economic Research Fund, Inc.
Industry Revenue
Wireless Telecommunications Carriers
Industry Structure
Industry size & Structure
The average wireless telecommunications carrier employs about 16 workers and generates over $57 million annually.
- The wireless telecommunications carrier industry consists of about 5,000 firms that employ 81,000 workers and generates over $297 billion annually.
- The industry is highly concentrated; the top 50 companies account for over 95% of industry revenue.
- AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint are the top wireless carriers in the US. National carriers support international wireless communications services, primarily through agreements with foreign carriers. Operations outside of the US are limited.
Industry Forecast
Industry Forecast
Wireless Telecommunications Carriers Industry Growth
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