Industry Statistics and Trends
Market size and recent performance (2016-2031)
Industry revenue has declined at a CAGR of 2.8 % over the past five years, to reach an estimated €27.0bn in 2026.
Trends and Insights
The competitive conditions are changing in view of the market entry of United Internet
- United Internet acquired the frequencies required for 5G at the Federal Network Agency auction in 2019, laying the foundation for the development of its own mobile network. With the operational market entry as an independent 5G network operator at the end of 2023, the competitive dynamics in the German market for wireless telecommunications changed significantly. Despite the new market player, the market structure remains oligopolistic, as Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone and Telefónica Deutschland continue to control the majority of the market. These companies dominate primarily due to their long-established networks and extensive customer base. Although United Internet is the fourth network operator, it is still developing its infrastructure and currently has less network coverage than its competitors.
- Additional trends and insights available with purchase
Source: IBISWorld
Industry outlook (2026-2031)
Market size is projected to grow over the next five years.
Trends and Insights
Wireless telecommunication is becoming a key enabler of industrial innovation processes thanks to M2M and IoT
- The ongoing digitalisation of the economy is intensifying the demand for wireless telecommunications solutions and changing the technological structure of the industry in the long term. Companies are increasingly focussing on the intelligent networking of machines, vehicles and sensors, which is further increasing the importance of machine-to-machine communication (M2M) and the Internet of Things. According to the Federal Network Agency's annual telecommunications report for 2024, the number of active M2M SIM cards in Germany increased significantly - from 23.1 million in 2018 to 73.7 million in 2024. This development illustrates the high level of integration of networked systems in industrial production, logistics and the energy sector.
Biggest companies in the Wireless Telecommunications Carriers in Germany
| Company | Market Share (%)
2026 | Revenue (€m)
2026 |
|---|---|---|
Deutsche Telekom AG | 6,660.7 | |
Telefónica Deutschland Holding AG | 5,901.0 | |
Vodafone GmbH | 5,879.8 |
To view the market share and analysis for all 5 top companies in this industry, view purchase options.
Products & Services Segmentation
Source: IBISWorld
Industry revenue is measured across several distinct product and services lines, including Data transmission (including SMS), Connection and language and Other services. Data transmission (including SMS) is the largest segment of the Wireless Telecommunications Carriers in Germany.
Trends and Insights
Revenue generated from data transmission is rising thanks to the increasing use of data-intensive applications
- The transfer of data accounts for the largest share of the sector's turnover.
- More insights available in the full report
Table of Contents
About this industry
Industry definition
Companies in this sector provide access for the transmission of voice, data, text, sound and images via wireless telecommunications infrastructure. They also provide non-wired access to the Internet. Internet providers that offer mobile telecommunications services without having telecommunications infrastructure themselves are not part of the industry.
What's included in this industry?
Products and services covered in the Wireless Telecommunications Carriers industry in Germany include Data transmission (including SMS), Connection and language and Provision of network infrastructure.Companies
Companies covered in the Wireless Telecommunications Carriers industry in Germany include Deutsche Telekom AG, Telefónica Deutschland Holding AG and Vodafone GmbH.Purchase this report to view all 5 major companies in this industry.
Related Terms
Related terms covered in the Wireless Telecommunications Carriers industry in Germany include 4g/5g, 4k, internet protocol television (iptv), long term evolution (lte/lte advanced), m2m cards, over-the-top (ott) services and roaming.Industry Code
WZ 61.20 - Wireless Telecommunications Carriers in Germany
Performance
Get an indication of the industry's health through historical, current and forward-looking trends in the performance indicators that make or break businesses.
Analyst insights
Mobile data volumes are growing rapidly, so network operators need to make massive investments in infrastructure to ensure network quality and capacity. The focus is on expan...
In this chapter (4)
- Current Performance
- Outlook
- Volatility
- Life Cycle
Key metrics
- Annual Revenue, Recent Growth, Forecast, Revenue Volatility
- Number of Employees, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Employee
- Number of Businesses, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Business
- Total Profit, Profit Margin, Profit per Business
Charts
- Revenue, including historical (2016-2025) and forecast (2026-2031)
- Employees, including historical (2016-2025) and forecast (2026-2031)
- Businesses, including historical (2016-2025) and forecast (2026-2031)
- Profit, including historical (2016-2026)
- Industry Volatility vs. Revenue Growth
- Industry Life Cycle
Detailed analysis
- Trends in supply, demand and current events that are driving current industry performance
- Expected trends, economic factors and ongoing events that drive the industry's outlook
- Key success factors for businesses to overcome volatility
- How contribution to GDP, industry saturation, innovation, consolidation, and technology and systems influence the industry's life cycle phase.
Products and Markets
Learn about an industry's products and services, markets and trends in international trade.
Analyst insight
Data transmission accounts for the largest share of industry revenue. In particular, the ongoing expansion of the 5G network is likely to provide further growth impetus in th...
In this chapter
- Products & Services
- Major Markets
Key metrics
- Largest market segment and value in 2026
- Product innovation level
Charts
- Products & services segmentation in 2026
- Major market segmentation in 2026
Detailed analysis
- Trends impacting the recent performance of the industry's various segments
- Innovations in the industry's product or service offering, specialization or delivery method
- Key factors that successful businesses consider in their offerings
- Buying segments and key trends influencing demand for industry products and services
Geographic Breakdown
Discover where business activity is most concentrated in an industry and the factors driving these trends to find opportunities and conduct regional benchmarking.
Analyst insights
The largest share of companies in the sector is in the centre region. The large population and the presence of numerous service companies offer telecommunications providers p...
In this chapter (1)
- Business Locations
Charts
- Share of revenue, establishment, wages and employment in each region
- Share of population compared to establishments in each region in 2026
Tables
- Number and share of establishments in each region in 2026
- Number and share of revenue each region accounts for in 2026
- Number and share of wages each region accounts for in 2026
- Number and share of employees in each region in 2026
Detailed analysis
- Geographic spread of the industry across Europe, and trends associated with changes in the business landscape
- Key success factors for businesses to use location to their advantage
Competitive Forces
Get data and insights on what's driving competition in an industry and the challenges industry operators and new entrants may face, with analysis built around Porter's Five Forces framework.
Analyst insights
Deutsche Telekom, Telefónica and Vodafone dominate the industry. The market entry of new network operators is difficult due to the enormous costs involved.
In this chapter (4)
- Concentration
- Barriers to Entry
- Substitutes
- Buyer & Supplier Analysis
Key metrics
- Industry concentration level
- Industry competition level and trend
- Barriers to entry level and trend
- Substitutes level and trend
- Buyer power level and trend
- Supplier power level and trend
Charts
- Market share concentration among the top 4 suppliers from 2021-2026
- Supply chain including upstream supplying industries and downstream buying industries, flow chart
Detailed analysis
- Factors impacting the industry’s level of concentration, such as business distribution, new entrants, or merger and acquisition activity.
- Key success factors for businesses to manage the competitive environment of the industry.
- Challenges that potential industry entrants face such as legal, start-up costs, differentiation, labor/capital intensity and capital expenses.
- Key success factors for potential entrants to overcome barriers to entry.
- Competitive threats from potential substitutes for the industry’s own products and services.
- Key success factors for how successful businesses can compete with substitutes.
- Advantages that buyers have to keep favorable purchasing conditions.
- Advantages that suppliers have to maintain favorable selling conditions.
- Key success factors for how businesses can navigate buyer and supplier power.
Companies
Learn about the performance of the top companies in the industry.
Analyst insights
Deutsche Telekom has significantly expanded its 5G network coverage in Germany. In August 2025, 99% of the German population had access to the company's 5G network.
In this chapter
- Market Share Concentration
- Companies
- Company Spotlights
Charts
- Industry market share by company in 2022 through 2026
- Major companies in the industry, including market share, revenue, profit and profit margin in 2026
- Overview of Deutsche Telekom AG's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2020 through 2026
- Overview of Telefónica Deutschland Holding AG's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2020 through 2026
- Overview of Vodafone GmbH's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2020 through 2026
- Overview of revenue, market share and profit margin trend for 2 additional companies
Detailed analysis
- Description and key data for Deutsche Telekom AG, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description and key data for Telefónica Deutschland Holding AG, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description and key data for Vodafone GmbH, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description, key data and performance trends for 2 additional companies
External Environment
Understand the demographic, economic and regulatory factors that shape how businesses in an industry perform.
Analyst insights
Increases in revenue from internet providers pose a risk for the industry. Internet providers are among the strongest competitors of wireless telecommunications providers. Th...
In this chapter
- External Drivers
- Regulation & Policy
- Assistance
Key metrics
- Regulation & policy level and trend
- Assistance level and trend
Charts
- Regulation & Policy historical data and forecast (2016-2031)
- Assistance historical data and forecast (2016-2031)
Detailed analysis
- Demographic and macroeconomic factors influencing the industry, including Regulation & Policy and Assistance
- Major types of regulations, regulatory bodies, industry standards or specific regulations impacting requirements for industry operators
- Key governmental and non-governmental groups or policies that may provide some relief for industry operators.
Financial Benchmarks
View average costs for industry operators and compare financial data against an industry's financial benchmarks over time.
Analyst insights
The wireless telecommunications industry is one of the most profitable industries in Germany. The good scalability of industry services and limited competition enable high pr...
In this chapter
- Cost Structure
- Financial Ratios
- Key Ratios
Key metrics
- Profit margin, and how it compares to the sector-wide margin
- Average wages, and how it compares to the sector-wide average wage
- Largest cost component as a percentage of revenue
- Industry average ratios for days' receivables, industry coverage and debt-to-net-worth ratio
Charts
- Average industry operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2026
- Average sector operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2026
- Investment vs. share of economy
Data tables
- Cash Flow & Debt Service Ratios (2016-2031)
- Revenue per Employee (2016-2031)
- Revenue per Enterprise (2016-2031)
- Employees per Establishment (2016-2031)
- Employees per Enterprise (2016-2031)
- Average Wage (2016-2031)
- Wages/Revenue (2016-2031)
- Establishments per Enterprise (2016-2031)
- IVA/Revenue (2016-2031)
- Imports/Demand (2016-2031)
- Exports/Revenue (2016-2031)
Detailed analysis
- Trends in the cost component for industry operators and their impact on industry costs and profitability
Key Statistics
Industry Data
Data Tables
Including values and annual change:
- Revenue (2016-2031)
- IVA (2016-2031)
- Establishments (2016-2031)
- Enterprises (2016-2031)
- Employment (2016-2031)
- Exports (2016-2031)
- Imports (2016-2031)
- Wages (2016-2031)
Top Questions Answered
Unlock comprehensive answers and precise data upon purchase. View purchase options.
What is the market size of the Wireless Telecommunications Carriers industry in Germany in 2026?
The market size of the Wireless Telecommunications Carriers industry in Germany is €27.0bn in 2026.
How many businesses are there in the Wireless Telecommunications Carriers industry in Germany in 2026?
There are 305 businesses in the Wireless Telecommunications Carriers industry in Germany, which has grown at a CAGR of 1.5 % between 2021 and 2026.
How may import tariffs affect the Wireless Telecommunications Carriers industry in Germany?
The Wireless Telecommunications Carriers industry in Germany is unlikely to be materially impacted by import tariffs with imports accounting for a low share of industry revenue.
How may export tariffs affect the Wireless Telecommunications Carriers industry in Germany?
The Wireless Telecommunications Carriers industry in Germany is unlikely to be materially impacted by export tariffs with exports accounting for a low share of industry revenue.
Has the Wireless Telecommunications Carriers industry in Germany grown or declined over the past 5 years?
The market size of the Wireless Telecommunications Carriers industry in Germany has been declining at a CAGR of 2.8 % between 2021 and 2026.
What is the forecast growth of the Wireless Telecommunications Carriers industry in Germany over the next 5 years?
Over the next five years, the Wireless Telecommunications Carriers industry in Germany is expected to grow.
What are the biggest companies in the Wireless Telecommunications Carriers industry in Germany?
The biggest companies operating in the Wireless Telecommunications Carriers industry in Germany are Deutsche Telekom AG, Telefónica Deutschland Holding AG and Vodafone GmbH
What does the Wireless Telecommunications Carriers industry in Germany include?
Data transmission (including SMS) and Connection and language are part of the Wireless Telecommunications Carriers industry in Germany.
Which companies have the highest market share in the Wireless Telecommunications Carriers industry in Germany?
The company holding the most market share in the Wireless Telecommunications Carriers industry in Germany is Deutsche Telekom AG.
How competitive is the Wireless Telecommunications Carriers industry in Germany?
The level of competition is high and steady in the Wireless Telecommunications Carriers industry in Germany.
Methodology
How are IBISWorld reports created?
IBISWorld has been a leading provider of trusted industry research for over 50 years to the most successful companies worldwide. With offices in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and China, we are proud to have local teams of analysts that conduct research, data analysis and forecasting to produce data-driven industry reports.
Our analysts start with official, verified and publicly available sources of data to build the most accurate picture of each industry. Analysts then leverage their expertise and knowledge of the local markets to synthesize trends into digestible content for IBISWorld readers. Finally, each report is reviewed by one of IBISWorld’s editors, who provide quality assurance to ensure accuracy and readability.
IBISWorld relies on human-verified data and human-written analysis to compile each standard industry report. We do not use generative AI tools to write insights, although members can choose to leverage AI-based tools within the platform to generate additional analysis formats.
What data sources do IBISWorld analysts use?
Each industry report incorporates data and research from government databases, industry-specific sources, industry contacts, and our own proprietary database of statistics and analysis to provide balanced, independent and accurate insights.
Key data sources in Germany include:
- German Federal Statistics Office (Destatis)
- European Statistics Office (Eurostat)
- United Nations Comtrade
Analysts also use industry specific sources to complement catch-all sources, although their perspective may focus on a particular organization or representative body, rather than a clear overview of all industry operations. However, when balanced against other perspectives, industry-specific sources provide insights into industry trends.
These sources include:
- Industry and trade associations
- Industry federations or regulators
- Major industry players annual or quarterly filings
Finally, IBISWorld’s global data scientists maintain a proprietary database of macroeconomic and demand drivers, which our analysts use to help inform industry data and trends. They also maintain a database of statistics and analysis on thousands of industries, which has been built over our more than 50-year history and offers comprehensive insights into long-term trends.
How does IBISWorld forecast its data?
IBISWorld’s analysts and data scientists use the sources above to create forecasts for our proprietary datasets and industry statistics. Depending on the dataset, they may use regression analysis, multivariate analysis, time-series analysis or exponential smoothing techniques to project future data for the industry or driver. Additionally, analysts will leverage their local knowledge of industry operating and regulatory conditions to impart their best judgment on the forecast model.
IBISWorld prides itself on being a trusted, independent source of data, with over 50 years of experience building and maintaining rich datasets and forecasting tools. We are proud to be the keystone source of industry information for thousands of companies across the world.
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