Wired and Wireless Telecommunications (except Satellite)
517111
National Industry (This Code)
Wired Telecommunications Carriers
Official NAICS Description
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2022 NAICS
📘 Source: U.S. Census Bureau — 2022 NAICS Manual
This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating, maintaining, and/or providing access to transmission facilities and infrastructure that they own and/or lease for the transmission of voice, data, text, sound, and video using wired telecommunications networks. Transmission facilities may be based on a single technology or a combination of technologies. Establishments in this industry use the wired telecommunications network facilities that they operate to provide a variety of services, such as wired telephony services, including VoIP services; wired (cable) audio and video programming distribution; and wired broadband Internet services. By exception, establishments providing satellite television distribution services using facilities and infrastructure that they operate are included in this industry.
Illustrative Examples:
Broadband Internet service providers, wired (e.g., cable, DSL)
Cable television distribution services
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) services
Direct-to-home satellite system (DTH) services
Local telephone carriers, wired
Long-distance telephone carriers, wired
Multichannel multipoint distribution services (MMDS)
Satellite television distribution systems
Telecommunications carriers, wired
VoIP service providers, using own operated wired telecommunications infrastructure
✓ Small Business Eligibility at a Glance
Based on SBA Table of Small Business Size Standards (2024)
Size Standard
1,500 employees
Measurement Period
Current count
Standard Type
Employee-Based
Applies To
All contracts under NAICS 517111
Set-Aside Programs
8(a), WOSB, HUBZone, SDVOSB
Certification Required
No (self-certify in SAM.gov)
Size standards are set by the SBA and reviewed periodically. Always verify at SBA.gov before bidding.
Cross-References
The following activities are classified elsewhere in the NAICS system:
→Operating and maintaining wireless telecommunications networks--are classified in U.S. Industry 517112, Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite);
→Operating television and radio broadcasting networks, including satellite television and radio networks, that produce media programming for distribution through cable, satellite, streaming, or Internet broadcasting--are classified in Industry 516210, Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers;
→Operating radio and television broadcasting stations--are classified in Industry Group 5161, Radio and Television Broadcasting Stations;
→Reselling telecommunications services (except satellite telecommunications and agents for wireless telecommunications services), without operating a network--are classified in U.S. Industry 517121, Telecommunications Resellers;
→Acting as agents for wireless telecommunications services, including operating as agents for mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs)--are classified in U.S. Industry 517122, Agents for Wireless Telecommunications Services;
→Reselling satellite telecommunications services--are classified in Industry 517410, Satellite Telecommunications;
→Providing Internet access services via client-supplied telecommunications connections (e.g., dial-up ISPs)--are classified in Industry 517810, All Other Telecommunications;
→Providing voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) services via client-supplied telecommunications connections--are classified in Industry 517810, All Other Telecommunications; and
→Providing expert advice in the field of information technology or in integrating communication and computer systems--are classified in Industry 54151, Computer Systems Design and Related Services.
How to Use NAICS 517111 in SAM.gov
NAICS code 517111 — Wired Telecommunications Carriers — is used in SAM.gov to identify businesses whose primary activity falls within this classification. When you add this code to your SAM.gov entity registration, contracting officers searching for vendors in the Wired and Wireless Telecommunications (except Satellite) space will be able to find your business.
If this code represents your primary business activity, designate it as your primary NAICS code. Your primary NAICS code determines your size standard for any contract solicited under this code. With a size standard of 1,500 employees, your business must be at or below this threshold to qualify as a small business for set-aside contracts under NAICS 517111.
NAICS code 517111 is 'Wired Telecommunications Carriers', classified under the Information sector (NAICS 51). This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating, maintaining, and/or providing access to transmission facilities and infrastructure that they own and/or lease for the transm
What is the SBA small business size standard for NAICS code 517111?
The SBA defines a small business under NAICS code 517111 (Wired Telecommunications Carriers) as one with 1,500 employees. This size standard determines eligibility for small business set-aside contracts, 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, and SDVOSB programs in SAM.gov.
How do I register NAICS code 517111 in SAM.gov?
To register NAICS code 517111 in SAM.gov: (1) Log in at sam.gov, (2) Navigate to your Entity Registration, (3) Go to the Assertions section, (4) Add 517111 (Wired Telecommunications Carriers) to your NAICS code list. You may designate one code as your Primary NAICS code.