Wired Telecommunications Services Industry Profile

The US wired telecommunications services industry includes about 2,000 companies with combined annual revenue of about $160 billion. Major companies include AT&T, Verizon Communications, Comcast, and CenturyLink. The industry is highly concentrated: the 50 largest companies generate more than 90 percent of revenue.

The global wired telecommunications services industry comprises roughly 1.2 billion fixed telephone lines and 550 million fixed broadband Internet subscriptions, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). China has the most fixed lines (294 million), followed by the US (151 million), Germany (45 million), and Russia (44 million). Major wireline carriers include Japan's Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT), Spanish firm Telefónica, and China Telecom.

Companies in the industry, which provide services such as local and long-distance calling, Internet access, and TV program distribution, own and operate telecommunications networks. Cable TV system operators are discussed in the Telecommunications Services industry profile. A separate profile covers Wireless Telecommunications Services.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Demand is driven by new services and growth in business activity. The profitability of individual companies depends on efficient operations and effective marketing. Large companies have economies of scale in providing a highly automated service to large numbers of customers, and the financial resources required to build and maintain a large network. Smaller companies can compete effectively in small markets or by providing specialty services.

PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

Major services are local and long-distance calling, TV distribution, and Internet access services. Local ...