Top 3 Picks
2026 Outlook
The telecom sector is set for continued expansion through 2026, propelled by widespread 5G deployments and the integration of AI-driven services, with industry revenue growth projected at a 5-7% CAGR according to market analysts. Key trends include the rise of fiber-optic networks and edge computing, enhancing efficiency and opening new revenue streams in enterprise and consumer segments. By 2026, emerging markets' adoption of advanced telecom infrastructure could drive global market penetration, fostering innovation and competitive advantages for leading players.
Complete Rankings
| Rank | Stock | Score | Price | Market Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
Verizon Communications
|
67.3 | $40.23 | $184.8B |
|
2
|
AT&T Inc. 5.350 Percent Global Notes due 2066
|
64.9 | $22.62 | -- |
|
3
|
GCI Liberty, Inc. Series C GCI Group Common Stock
|
64.2 | $37.18 | $1.1B |
|
4
|
Qwest Corporation 6.5% Notes due 2056
|
64.1 | $18.74 | -- |
|
5
|
Qwest Corporation 6.75% Notes due 2057
|
63.9 | $18.93 | -- |
|
6
|
GCI Liberty, Inc. Series A GCI Group Common Stock
|
63.9 | $36.99 | $1.1B |
|
7
|
Telephone and Data Systems Inc.
|
61.5 | $40.91 | $4.5B |
|
8
|
AT&T Inc.
|
61.3 | $24.72 | $197.0B |
|
9
|
Shenandoah Telecom Co
|
60.2 | $11.36 | $724M |
|
10
|
Frontier Communications Parent, Inc. Common Stock
|
59.5 | $38.08 | $9.4B |
|
11
|
Anterix Inc. Common Stock
|
59.3 | $22.68 | $406M |
|
12
|
IDT Corporation Class B
|
57.2 | $51.34 | $1.3B |
|
13
|
ATN International, Inc
|
55.5 | $23.17 | $228M |
|
14
|
Lumen Technologies, Inc.
|
54.1 | $7.64 | $6.2B |
|
15
|
IQSTEL INC. Common Stock
|
52.9 | $2.91 | $25M |
In-Depth Analysis: Top Telecom Stocks
VZ
Wireless services account for nearly 75% of Verizon Communications' total service revenue and nearly all of its operating income. The firm serves about 93 million postpaid and 20 million prepaid phone customers via its nationwide network, making it the largest US wireless carrier. Fixed-line telecom operations include local networks in the Northeast, which reach about 30 million homes and businesses, …
Verizon Communications is a pivotal player in the US telecom sector as the largest wireless carrier, serving 93 million postpaid and 20 million prepaid customers, which represents a dominant market position and drives nearly 75% of its service revenue from wireless services.
Verizon's 14.4% profit margin and 19.9% ROE reflect strong profitability and efficient equity utilization, indicating solid financial health despite a modest 1.5% revenue growth that suggests stable but not aggressive expansion.
Verizon's low P/E ratio of 8.6 suggests the stock is undervalued, presenting an opportunity for significant capital appreciation by 2026 as 5G adoption and network expansions continue to bolster its wireless dominance. With wireless services accounting for nearly all operating income and a customer base exceeding 113 million, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on increasing demand for high-speed connectivity and fixed-line services, further supported by its Tradestie Score of 67.3 indicating moderate investment appeal.
TBB
The wireless business contributes nearly 70% of AT&T's revenue. The company is the third-largest US wireless carrier, connecting 73 million postpaid and 17 million prepaid phone customers. Fixed-line enterprise services, which account for about 14% of revenue, include internet access, private networking, security, voice, and wholesale network capacity. Residential fixed-line services, about 12% of revenue, primarily consist of broadband internet …
AT&T is a pivotal player in the Telecom sector as the third-largest US wireless carrier, serving 73 million postpaid and 17 million prepaid customers, which drives nearly 70% of its revenue through wireless services. Additionally, its fixed-line enterprise offerings, accounting for about 14% of revenue, provide essential internet access and private networks to businesses, solidifying its infrastructure role in connectivity.
With limited financial data available, AT&T's profitability is primarily supported by its dominant wireless segment, which generates the bulk of revenue, while the Tradestie Score of 64.9/100 suggests moderate financial health amid sector challenges.
By 2026, AT&T's extensive customer base of 90 million wireless subscribers positions it for growth in 5G adoption and enterprise services, potentially boosting revenue and bond yields. The 5.350% yield on these 2066 notes offers a stable income stream in a recovering telecom market, supported by AT&T's strategic investments in network expansion. Investors may benefit from the company's market resilience and long-term demand for connectivity, making these notes an attractive option for diversified portfolios.
GLIBK
GCI Liberty Inc through its wholly owned subsidiary, provides a full range of data, wireless, video, voice, and managed services to residential customers, businesses, governmental entities, and educational and medical institutions in Alaska under the GCI brand.
GCI Liberty matters in the Telecom sector as it serves as the primary provider of essential data, wireless, video, voice, and managed services in Alaska, a region with unique connectivity challenges due to its remote and isolated geography, supporting critical needs for residential, business, and institutional customers.
GCI Liberty's negative profit margin of -29.5% and ROE of -22.0% indicate significant challenges in generating profits and returns on equity, reflecting potential operational inefficiencies or market pressures; however, the modest revenue decline of -1.9% suggests the company may be stabilizing amid sector volatility.
By 2026, investors should consider GLIBK due to its dominant market position in Alaska, where increasing demand for advanced telecom services like 5G could drive revenue recovery from the current -1.9% growth rate. The Tradestie Score of 64.2 signals moderate investment appeal, potentially benefiting from infrastructure investments and expanding digital needs in underserved areas. Additionally, as a subsidiary of Liberty, strategic acquisitions or operational improvements could enhance long-term value.
CTBB
Qwest Corporation 6.5% Notes due 2056 is a key player in the Telecom sector with a Tradestie Score of 64.1.
The company maintains a solid financial position in the competitive Telecom landscape.
With a score of 64.1, CTBB ranks among the top Telecom stocks for 2026. Investors may find value in its market position and growth potential.
CTDD
Qwest Corporation, as part of Lumen Technologies, matters in the Telecom sector due to its extensive fiber-optic network infrastructure that supports broadband and data services for millions of customers across the United States, enabling critical communication and digital connectivity in an increasingly data-driven economy.
With a Tradestie Score of 63.9/100, Qwest Corporation exhibits moderate financial health, suggesting reasonable stability in servicing its debt obligations despite limited available financial data, as the 6.75% coupon rate on these notes provides a steady income stream amid telecom sector challenges.
The 6.75% yield on CTDD notes positions it as an attractive fixed-income option in 2026, especially if interest rates remain low, offering investors a high coupon payment compared to current market averages. Anticipated growth in the Telecom sector, driven by 5G rollout and increasing broadband demand, could enhance Qwest's operational stability and support the bond's value through 2057. Furthermore, the Tradestie Score of 63.9/100 indicates potential for steady performance, making CTDD a viable choice for long-term investors seeking reliable returns in a recovering economy.
GLIBA
GCI Liberty Inc through its wholly owned subsidiary, provides a full range of data, wireless, video, voice, and managed services to residential customers, businesses, governmental entities, and educational and medical institutions in Alaska under the GCI brand.
GCI Liberty matters in the Telecom sector as it serves as the dominant provider of essential data, wireless, video, voice, and managed services in Alaska, a strategically important market due to its remote location and growing demand for connectivity. This positions the company as a key enabler of digital infrastructure in underserved regions, supporting residential, business, and institutional needs that align with broader sector trends toward expanded network access.
GCI Liberty's profitability is challenged, evidenced by a -29.5% profit margin and -22.0% ROE, indicating significant losses relative to revenue and equity, likely due to high operational costs in a geographically isolated market. Despite a -1.9% revenue growth suggesting recent contraction, the 63.9 Tradestie Score reflects moderate financial stability, potentially offering room for improvement through operational efficiencies.
By 2026, GCI Liberty could see upside from increasing demand for telecom services in Alaska, driven by infrastructure investments and 5G rollout, potentially reversing the -1.9% revenue decline and improving profitability. The company's strong regional market position as a full-service provider may enable it to capture growth in underserved areas, leveraging its existing infrastructure for new opportunities. Additionally, with a 63.9 Tradestie Score, the stock could appeal to investors betting on a turnaround through cost reductions and expanding digital services.
TDS
Telephone and Data Systems Inc is a diversified telecommunications operator that provides mobile, telephone, and broadband services. The company's segments include UScellular Wireless, UScellular Towers, and TDS Telecom. It generates maximum revenue from the UScellular Wireless segment.
Telephone and Data Systems Inc. (TDS) matters in the Telecom sector as a diversified operator with a strong focus on wireless services through its UScellular segment, which drives the majority of its revenue and contributes to regional competition in mobile and broadband markets. Its operations in UScellular Towers and TDS Telecom further enhance its role in supporting infrastructure and connectivity needs across the U.S.
TDS's negative profit margin of -1.2% indicates current operational losses, while a modest ROE of 2.9% suggests limited efficiency in generating returns on equity; however, the -5.8% revenue growth highlights challenges in sustaining top-line expansion amid sector pressures.
By 2026, TDS could benefit from the anticipated expansion of 5G networks and increasing demand for wireless services, potentially reversing its -5.8% revenue decline as UScellular strengthens its market position. The company's diversified segments, including UScellular Towers, offer opportunities for stable rental income and infrastructure growth, enhancing overall valuation. With a Tradestie Score of 61.5/100, indicating moderate appeal, investors may find value in TDS's potential for turnaround through cost efficiencies and strategic acquisitions in the evolving telecom landscape.
T
The wireless business contributes nearly 70% of AT&T's revenue. The company is the third-largest US wireless carrier, connecting 73 million postpaid and 17 million prepaid phone customers. Fixed-line enterprise services, which account for about 14% of revenue, include internet access, private networking, security, voice, and wholesale network capacity. Residential fixed-line services, about 12% of revenue, primarily consist of broadband internet …
AT&T matters in the Telecom sector as the third-largest US wireless carrier, serving 73 million postpaid and 17 million prepaid customers, which drives nearly 70% of its revenue and underscores its pivotal role in mobile connectivity. Its fixed-line enterprise services, accounting for about 14% of revenue, including internet access and private networks, further solidify its influence in business communications and infrastructure.
AT&T exhibits strong profitability with a 17.9% profit margin and a 19.1% ROE, demonstrating efficient operations and effective use of shareholder equity. Despite modest revenue growth of 1.6%, the low P/E ratio of 8.0 indicates potential undervaluation, reflecting a financially stable position amid sector challenges.
AT&T's extensive customer base of 73 million postpaid subscribers positions it for growth in 5G services and higher data consumption by 2026, potentially boosting revenue from its dominant wireless segment. The stock's P/E ratio of 8.0 suggests it is undervalued compared to peers, offering substantial upside potential as profitability metrics like a 17.9% profit margin indicate resilience against economic fluctuations.
SHEN
Shenandoah Telecommunications Company, with its subsidiaries, provides various broadband communication products and services via its wireless, cable, fiber optic, and fixed wireless networks to customers in the Mid-Atlantic United States. The company operates through one business unit: Broadband. The broadband segment provides broadband Internet, video, and voice services to residential and commercial customers. The broadband segment generates the vast majority …
Shenandoah Telecommunications Company matters in the Telecom sector as a regional provider of essential broadband services through wireless, cable, fiber optic, and fixed wireless networks in the Mid-Atlantic United States, addressing critical connectivity needs in a competitive market. Its singular focus on the Broadband business unit allows for streamlined operations and targeted expansion in an area with growing demand for high-speed internet.
SHEN's profitability is currently weak, evidenced by a negative profit margin of -10.4% and a return on equity of -3.4%, highlighting operational losses and inefficient capital utilization that could strain financial health. Despite this, the company's revenue growth of 2.5% indicates some positive momentum, potentially signaling opportunities for turnaround through cost efficiencies or market gains.
Investors should consider SHEN in 2026 due to its 2.5% revenue growth, which positions the company to benefit from the ongoing expansion of broadband infrastructure and increasing digital adoption in the Mid-Atlantic region. The Tradestie Score of 60.2 suggests a moderate upside potential, especially if SHEN leverages its diverse network technologies to capture more market share amid rising demand for reliable connectivity. Additionally, as a focused regional player, it could see improved profitability from potential regulatory support or technological advancements by 2026.
FYBR
Frontier Communications Parent Inc is a communications and technology provider offering broadband services. The company provides voice services, including data-based voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) and unified communications as a service (UCaaS), as well as long-distance and voice messaging services, to consumer and business customers in all its markets.
Frontier Communications matters in the Telecom sector as a leading provider of broadband and voice services, including VoIP and UCaaS, which are essential for modern digital connectivity and business communications. Its focus on data-based services positions it to benefit from the increasing demand for high-speed internet amid the ongoing expansion of remote work and digital infrastructure.
Frontier Communications exhibits weak profitability with a negative profit margin of -6.2% and ROE of -7.8%, indicating operational losses and inefficient equity utilization that could strain financial health. However, the company's 4.1% revenue growth reflects positive top-line momentum, suggesting potential for improved profitability if cost management and market expansion efforts succeed.
Frontier Communications' 4.1% revenue growth demonstrates resilience in a competitive telecom market, positioning it for potential profitability by 2026 as broadband demand surges with trends like 5G adoption and remote connectivity. The Tradestie Score of 59.5 indicates moderate investment appeal, supported by the company's strategic services in VoIP and UCaaS that could capture market share in expanding digital communication sectors. Investors may find value in FYBR's turnaround potential, driven by sector-wide growth projections and operational improvements.
Methodology
Stocks are ranked using the Tradestie Score, a proprietary 0-100 rating that combines fundamental quality (profitability, balance sheet strength), growth metrics (revenue and earnings growth), valuation (P/E, PEG ratio), and momentum factors. Scores are updated daily based on the latest market data. Learn more about our methodology.