517121 - Telecommunications Resellers

The telecommunications industry is vital in today’s connected world, with various players contributing to seamless communication. Among them, NAICS code 517121 – Telecommunications Resellers plays a key role by providing telecommunication services without owning the infrastructure. Whether you’re a business professional, government contractor, or entrepreneur, understanding this NAICS code and its scope is essential for market insight, compliance, and business opportunities.

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What is NAICS Code 517121 – Telecommunications Resellers?

NAICS Code 517121 describes establishments primarily engaged in purchasing access and network capacity from telecommunications carriers and reselling telecommunication services to end-users such as businesses and households. Unlike traditional telecom carriers, these resellers do not own the physical network infrastructure; instead, they focus on service delivery including local and long-distance voice communication, data transmission, and internet services.

Key Characteristics:

• Resell network services obtained from primary telecommunications providers.
• Provide local, long-distance, internet access, and other communication services.
• Do not operate or own the underlying telecommunications infrastructure.

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Sector & Typical Business Activities

Sector: Information

This NAICS code falls under the Information sector, which includes industries related to data services, telecommunications, publishing, and broadcasting.

Typical Business Types and Activities under NAICS 517121:

• Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs): Companies that lease wireless network capacity from traditional carriers and sell mobile services under their own brand.
• Internet Service Resellers: Businesses that purchase internet bandwidth from primary providers and offer it directly to consumers or businesses.
• Long-Distance Telephone Service Providers: Firms specializing in reselling long-distance voice communication services.

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Size Standards for NAICS 517121 Eligibility

For government contracting and size standard purposes, businesses classified under NAICS 517121 - Telecommunications Resellers typically have a size standard of:

• Maximum of 1,500 employees

This threshold determines whether a business qualifies as a small business in federal procurement and eligibility for associated programs.

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Detailed Breakdown: NAICS 517121 Code Details

Code Details	Description
Long-distance telecommunication resellers (except satellite telecommunications)	Firms reselling long-distance telecommunication services but excluding satellite services.
Microwave telecommunication resellers	Businesses reselling microwave telecommunication capacity.
Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) (except agents)	MVNOs that purchase network access and resell wireless services, excluding agents/brokers.
Pre-paid calling cards, telecommunications resellers	Companies selling prepaid calling cards as part of their telecommunication reselling service portfolio.
Resellers, telecommunication (except satellite telecommunications and agents for wireless)	General category of telecom resellers excluding satellite service providers and wireless service agents.
Telecommunications resellers (except satellite telecommunications and agents for wireless)	Similar broad classification excluding satellite and wireless agent roles.
Telephone communications resellers (except satellite telecommunications and agents)	Resellers focusing specifically on telephone communication services with exclusions for satellite and agents.
Wired telecommunication resellers	Companies reselling wired (landline) telecommunication services.
Wireless telecommunications resellers (except satellite telecommunications and agents)	Businesses reselling wireless telecommunication services excluding satellite and agent roles.

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Examples of Businesses Under NAICS 517121

• TracFone Wireless, Inc.: A major MVNO providing prepaid wireless services.
• EarthLink: Offers internet services by reselling network access.
• Lumen Technologies (Reseller Business Segment): Resells telecommunications services including long-distance voice.
• CallFire: Digital communications company reselling cloud-based communication services.

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FAQ: Telecommunications Resellers (NAICS 517121)

Q1: Do telecommunications resellers own network infrastructure?
A: No, they purchase capacity from carriers and resell services but do not own the underlying network.

Q2: What types of services do NAICS 517121 businesses offer?
A: Services include local and long-distance voice communication, data transmission, internet access, mobile services, and prepaid calling cards.

Q3: What is the size standard for small businesses under this NAICS code?
A: The SBA size standard is 1,500 employees.

Q4: Are satellite telecommunications resellers included in this code?
A: No, satellite telecommunication resellers are excluded from NAICS 517121.

Q5: Can telecommunication resellers be government contractors?
A: Yes, many government contracts require NAICS codes, and resellers meeting size standards can compete for telecommunications service contracts.

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Conclusion

NAICS Code 517121 – Telecommunications Resellers encompasses a dynamic segment of the telecommunications industry that delivers crucial communication services without owning the infrastructure. From MVNOs to internet service resellers and long-distance voice providers, businesses under this code play a pivotal role in expanding service availability and choice for consumers and businesses alike. Understanding this NAICS code, size standards, and typical business activities is valuable for industry participants and government contractors pursuing opportunities in the expanding telecom market.

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Keywords: NAICS 517121, Telecommunications Resellers, mobile virtual network operator, MVNO, internet service resellers, long-distance phone services, telecommunications industry, SBA size standard, telecom resellers, wireless communications, wired telecommunications.