SBA size standard
1,500 employees
Measured by average number of employees over the last 24 months
SBA table effective March 2023
FY2025 federal spending
The Department of Defense bought 79% of the $648.7M obligated under 517111 in FY2025.
- Contract awards
- 3,095
- Contract vehicles (IDVs)
- 112
Top buying agencies
- Department of Defense$510.5M
- Department of Agriculture$74.6M
- Department of Health and Human Services$15.4M
- Department of Transportation$11.0M
- Department of Homeland Security$8.1M
FY2025 federal contract obligations, USAspending.gov
Wired Telecommunications Carriers (NAICS 517111) covers companies providing telecommunications infrastructure, connectivity services, and telecom operations. While this code traditionally applies to telecom carriers, it also includes companies providing specialized telecommunications services to federal agencies.
What Businesses Fall Under This Code
517111 includes telecommunications carriers, fiber optic providers, dedicated telecom service providers, and companies operating telecommunications infrastructure. In federal contracting, this includes companies providing secure government communications, dedicated network services, and telecom infrastructure to agencies.
SBA Size Standard and What It Means
The SBA size standard for 517111 is 1,500 employees. With 1,500 employees or fewer, you count as a small business on contracts filed under this code.
Federal Spending in This Category
Federal telecommunications spending exceeds $10 billion annually for connectivity, infrastructure, and specialized services. DoD, DHS, and other agencies maintain extensive telecommunications networks.
Top Agencies Buying in This Code
The Department of Defense, General Services Administration, Department of State, and DHS are major telecommunications buyers. The General Services Administration manages federal telecommunications through the FTS (Federal Telecommunications System).
Tips for Tech Companies Using This Code
Register for 517111 if you provide specialized telecommunications services, secure communications infrastructure, or dedicated network services to federal agencies. Show compliance with federal telecom standards and security requirements. Understand the FTS procurement system if you're selling telecom services.
Pro Tip: Telecom services are often procured as part of larger IT infrastructure contracts. If you provide network infrastructure or telecommunications components as part of IT solutions, you may need to register for both telecommunications and IT codes.