Telecommunications Services Industry Overview

Excerpt from Telecommunications Services Report

Companies in this industry provide wireless and wireline telephone and data services; cable and satellite television distribution services; and Internet access. Major companies include the US-based AT&T, Verizon Communications, and Comcast, as well as Japan's Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, Spanish firm Telefónica, and China Mobile.

Competitive Landscape

Demand is driven by technological innovation and by growth in business activity and consumer spending. The profitability of individual companies depends on efficient operations and good marketing. Large companies have big economies of scale in providing a highly automated service to large numbers of customers, and have the financial resources required to build and maintain large networks. Smaller companies can compete effectively in small markets or by providing specialty services. The industry is highly concentrated: the 50 largest companies generate about 90 percent of revenue.

Products, Operations & Technology

Major source of revenue are wireless services (39 percent of industry revenue); wireline services (33 percent of industry revenue); and cable distribution (24 percent). Other services include satellite telecommunications.