51711 - Wired and Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite)

In today's hyper-connected world, telecommunications industries form the backbone of communication infrastructure. Whether you're sending a quick text, streaming a movie, or conducting a critical government briefing, reliable telecom services are essential. NAICS Code 51711, titled Wired and Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite), represents the pivotal players behind these connections. Understanding this code is crucial for businesses, government contractors, and industry analysts dealing with wired and wireless communication services.

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What is NAICS Code 51711?

NAICS Code 51711 encompasses establishments primarily engaged in operating and maintaining switching and transmission facilities that enable communication through landlines, cellular networks, or other wired or wireless technologies—explicitly excluding satellite telecommunications. These carriers provide comprehensive voice, data, and video services across multiple sectors, including residential, commercial, and government markets.

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Sector & Industry Overview

Sector: Information

NAICS 51711 falls within the Information Sector, representing a critical infrastructure industry dedicated to transmitting data and voice across diverse platforms. Businesses classified under this code:

• Operate local and long-distance telephone networks
• Provide cellular and wireless services
• Offer Internet access services through wired and wireless mediums (excluding satellite internet)
• Maintain switching stations, towers, and transmission lines

Typical Business Activities Include:

• Establishing and managing local telephone service networks
• Operating cellular networks and wireless communication towers
• Delivering broadband Internet services utilizing wired or wireless technologies
• Maintaining switching centers for routing voice, data, and video
• Providing integrated telecommunications solutions to businesses and governments

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NAICS Code 51711 Size Standards

To qualify under NAICS 51711 for government contracting and small business programs, size standards are determined by average annual receipts. According to the Small Business Administration (SBA):

• Small business size standard: Up to $41.5 million average annual receipts

Note: These thresholds may be periodically updated; always check SBA current guidelines to confirm eligibility.

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Examples of Businesses under NAICS Code 51711

• Local Telephone Service Providers — Companies connecting communities via landline telephony.
• Cellular and Wireless Carriers — Firms that operate mobile networks like 4G and 5G cellular services.
• Internet Service Providers (ISPs) — Businesses delivering wired (fiber, cable) or wireless internet access (excluding satellite-based ISPs).
• Regional and national telecommunications companies providing voice and data services
• Wireless broadband providers using tower infrastructures

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NAICS 51711 Code Details Table

Attribute	Description
NAICS Code	51711
Title	Wired and Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite)
Sector	Information
Industry Description	Establishments operating and maintaining communication switching and transmission facilities using wired and wireless tech, excluding satellite
Services Provided	Voice, data, video transmission via landlines, cellular, wireless
Examples of Business Types	Local telephone service providers, cellular carriers, ISPs via wired/wireless
Size Standard (Receipts)	Up to $41.5 million (average annual receipts)
Exclusions	Satellite telecommunications carriers

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What activities are excluded from NAICS 51711?

NAICS 51711 excludes businesses predominantly engaged in satellite telecommunications services. These fall under a different NAICS code, such as 517410.

Can internet service providers (ISPs) be classified under NAICS 51711?

Yes, ISPs providing internet via wired or wireless (non-satellite) infrastructures are covered under this code.

How is the size standard determined for NAICS 51711?

The SBA determines size standards primarily based on the company's average annual receipts over the past three years, with the threshold currently set at $41.5 million for this industry.

Are government agencies included under this NAICS code?

No, NAICS codes classify private sector companies. However, many government agencies contract businesses classified under 51711 for communication services.

How does NAICS 51711 differ from satellite telecommunications?

NAICS 51711 excludes satellite carriers, focusing instead on terrestrial wired and wireless networks. Satellite telecommunications companies have their own classification codes due to differing technologies.

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Conclusion

NAICS Code 51711 plays a critical role in classifying the wired and wireless telecommunications carriers that keep us connected while excluding satellite communication services. From local telephone providers to cellular network operators and wired or wireless ISPs, this sector underpins modern communication infrastructure. Understanding the nuances of this NAICS industry code helps businesses identify opportunities in government contracting, ensure compliance with SBA size standards, and strategically position themselves in the evolving telecommunications market.

For companies operating within Wired and Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite), NAICS 51711 is the key classification tying together a broad range of communication services vital to today's information-driven economy.