Kevin JohnsonVerizon Communications, Inc. is a multinational telecommunications company based in New York. The company’s history goes back to 1983 with the founding of Bell Atlantic. In 2000, Bell Atlantic and Vodafone established Verizon as a joint venture.
Later, Verizon bought Vodafone’s 45% stake in the company in 2014 to become the sole owner. It is now the largest wireless carrier in the US, with over 150 million subscribers and more than 117,000 employees.
However, the company also operates in the digital media sector through Verizon Media and Oath Inc. In Mar 2023, Verizon raised the prices on older cell phone plans to encourage more of its customer base to move to 5G offerings. [1]
Verizon expanded its services through acquisitions, including Ramcell, Rural Cellular, West Virginia Wireless, SureWest, Alltel, and Plateau Wireless. The company split its Verizon Wireless division into Verizon Consumer and Verizon Business in 2019 and purchased TracFone Wireless for $6.25 billion in Nov 2021.
In 2022, Verizon achieved its target to provide Ultra Wideband 5G to 175 million people within a year. The telecom firm also offers Internet of Things (IoT) services. However, the company faces stiff competition from AT&T, T-Mobile, Vodafone, KORE, Airtel, Millicom, Aeris, TELUS, and Semtech. [2]
Here is an in-depth analysis of Verizon’s top competitors and alternatives:
1. AT&T
Year founded: 1983
Headquarter: Dallas, Texas
AT&T is a telecom, media, and technology company that provides telephone and internet services. It is the world’s largest telecommunications company by revenue. In 2022, AT&T employed around 160,700 people.
AT&T is the third largest provider of mobile telephone services in the US. It also offers telecom equipment, wireless communication solutions, and managed networking.
In 2022, AT&T sold and spun off all its entertainment assets to focus on the telecom sector and is the top Verizon competitor and alternative. [3]
2. T-Mobile US, Inc.
Year founded: 1999
Headquarter: Overland Park, Kansas, and Bellevue, Washington
T-Mobile US is an American wireless network operator partially owned by German telecom Deutsche Telekom AG. The company merged with Sprint in 2020 to become the second-largest wireless carrier in the US. As of Jan 2023, 2022, T-Mobile had over 113 million customers.
T-Mobile and Verizon are leaders in the US telecom market, but Verizon has about 40 million more subscribers than T-Mobile. In Dec 2022, T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert was named the CEO of the Year by CNN Business. This award recognizes the company’s impressive performance and establishes its position as one of the top Verizon alternatives. [4]
3. Vodafone
Year founded: 1984
Headquarter: Newbury, Berkshire, England
Vodafone is a British telecommunications company. It operates in Asia, Africa, Europe, and Oceania under different brands; for example, Vodafone Idea (Vi) is India’s third-largest telecom player. In 2022, Vodafone had over 104,000 employees.
Vodafone and Verizon have a long history. The British telecom giant partnered with Bell Atlantic in 2000 to establish Verizon as a joint venture, but Vodafone faces challenges in different regions globally.
In Nov 2022, Vodafone cut its full-year cash flow forecast due to soaring energy costs and deteriorating performance in Germany, Italy, and Spain. The company also sold 50% of its stake in Vantage Towers.
Yet, Vodafone’s strong market presence and loyal customer base make it a formidable competitor for Verizon. [5]
4. KORE Wireless
Year founded: 2003
Headquarter: Atlanta, Georgia
KORE Wireless specializes in Internet of Things systems. It is a pure-play IoT company that manages 15.3 million IoT connections in 190 countries. In 2022, KORE Wireless had 3,600 enterprise customers.
KORE competes against Verizon in the IoT sector. In Dec 2022, KORE signed a multi-year alliance with Google Cloud to pair Google’s data analytics capabilities with KORE’s IoT services. The partnership aims to deliver value-added features in connectivity, device management, and streamlined processes, making KORE Wireless a worthy alternative to Verizon for IoT solutions. [6]
5. Airtel Limited
Year founded: 1995
Headquarter: New Delhi, India
Airtel is an Indian telecommunication company owned by Bharti Enterprises. It operates across 18 countries in South Asia and Africa and had 48,600 employees in 2022.
Airtel competes against Verizon Wireless India and provides 4G across India and 5G in selected cities. In Mar 2023, Airtel expanded its 5G+ service to 125 cities and surpassed 10 million 5G subscribers.
Its 5G+ offering is now available in over 265 cities across India, making Airtel the top Verizon competitor in Asia. [7]
6. Millicom International Cellular
Year founded: 1990
Headquarter: Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Millicom is a fixed and mobile telecommunications service provider. Its TIGO and Tigo Business brands serve Latin American countries, including Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Paraguay. In 2022, Millicom had 20,000 employees and over 45 million customers.
Millicom offers several products and services, including TIGO Money, TIGO Sports, TIGO ONEtv, high-speed data, voice, and B2B solutions, such as cloud and security. Its fiber-cable footprint connects over 13 million homes.
In 2022, Millicom introduced 5G services in Guatemala and expanded its fiber-to-the-home network to reach 822,000 new homes. Millicom is one of the top Verizon competitors in Latin America. [8]
7. Aeris Communications
Year founded: 1996
Headquarter: San Jose, California
Aeris is a leading provider of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. Verizon also engages in the IoT sector. In 2022, Aeris acquired Ericsson’s IoT Accelerator and Connected Vehicle Cloud businesses.
The main competitive advantage of Aeris is its specialization in IoT solutions. It is the go-to provider for companies seeking to unlock the value of IoT.
In Feb 2023, Aeris and Ericsson showcased the combined capabilities of their IoT businesses at MWC. This merger combines Aeris’ secure Intelligent IoT Network and Ericsson’s IoT Accelerator platform, making Aeris one of the top Verizon alternatives for IoT services. [9]
8. TELUS Communications Inc.
Year founded: 1990
Headquarter: Vancouver, Canada
TELUS is a Canadian telecommunications company that provides Internet access, voice, entertainment, healthcare, video, home automation, and IPTV. It owns TELUS Mobility, a wireless network operator.
In 2022, TELUS’s next-gen 5G network covered over 80% of Canadians, and its PureFibre network connects about 3 million premises. Telus Mobility sells wireless services in Canada and operates 5G, LTE, and HSPA+ on its networks. In 2022, TELUS added 1,043,000 customers.
PCMag recognized TELUS as Canada’s fastest nationwide Internet service provider (ISP) for the third year. TELUS is the best alternative to Verizon in Canada. [10]
9. Semtech (Sierra Wireless)
Year founded: 1960
Headquarter: Camarillo, California
Semtech is a supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors and advanced algorithms. It caters to the consumer, enterprise computing, communications, and industrial end-markets. In 2022, Semtech had 1,439 employees.
Semtech wasn’t a Verizon competitor until Aug 2022, when it acquired Sierra Wireless. The $1.2-billion deal nearly doubled Semtech’s annual revenue. In Jan 2023, Semtech combined its LoRa/LoRaWAN property for non-cellular LPWA IoT with Sierra Wireless’ cellular-based IoT.
The company is now an IoT cloud-to-chip systems leader with a comprehensive IoT platform, making Semtech one of the top competitors for Verizon in the IoT sector. [11]
10. Rogers Wireless Inc.
Year founded: 1983
Headquarter: Toronto, Canada
Rogers Wireless is a tech and media company that provides communications services. It operates Canada’s largest 5G network, reaching over 1,900 communities nationwide.
In 2022, Rogers became the first Canadian service provider to deploy a 3500 MHz spectrum to increase 5G network capacity and deliver ultra-low latency services.
Both Rogers and Verizon operate in the Canadian telecom market, but Rogers provides wireless telephone services throughout Canada.
In 2022, the company launched the Wi-Fi 6E modem, added 545,000 postpaid subscribers, and agreed to acquire Shaw Communications Inc. for approximately $15 billion. Rogers is one of the top Verizon competitors in Canada. [12]
11. GoToConnect
Year founded: 2003
Headquarter: Boston, Massachusetts
GoToConnect is a communication platform offered by LogMeIn. It provides cloud-based VoIP software that combines call center, phone, videoconferencing, and messaging. In 2021, LogMeIn had over 2 million customers globally.
GoToConnect competes against Verizon Business Connection, but GoToConnect integrates with over 180 desk phone models. Users can bundle GoToConnect with LogMeIn solutions, including MFA, encryption, and Meeting Lock, making GoToConnect one of the best alternatives to Verizon for business communications. [13]
12. A1 Telekom
Year founded: 1996
Headquarter: Vienna, Austria
A1 Telekom is a communications service provider and a subsidiary of Mexican telecom conglomerate América Móvil. It offers fixed-line, broadband internet, data, multimedia services, and IT systems. In 2022, A1 Telekom had over 17,900 employees.
A1 Telekom operates in Eastern European countries, including Austria, Belarus, Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia. In 2022, A1 Telekom reported 23.89 million annual mobile subscriptions; but the company experienced a decline in the number of customers in Austria, its domestic market. Still, A1 Telekom is one of the top competitors for Verizon in Eastern Europe. [14]
13. Zoom Meetings
Year founded: 2011
Headquarter: San Jose, California
Zoom Meetings is a virtual interaction platform offered by Zoom Video Communications, a video telephony company. The software provides robust features to help individuals and businesses communicate globally. In 2022, Zoom had around 6,800 employees. [15]
Zoom and Verizon Business Connection enable seamless communications for businesses, but Zoom offers a free plan that allows up to 100 participants to interact for 40 minutes or less. This option is enough for most startups, SMBs, and individuals. The platform also supports document sharing, making Zoom one of the best alternatives to Verizon for businesses.
14. Telit
Year founded: 1986
Headquarter: Irvine, California
Telit is a global leader in IoT that offers enterprise-grade wireless communication modules, cellular MVNO connectivity services, cloud software, and Industrial IoT platforms. These solutions simplify the onboarding of connected devices. In 2022, Telit had 820 employees.
Telit delivers secure and integrated IoT solutions to enterprises, OEMs, system integrators, and service providers.
In Jul 2022, Telit agreed to acquire Thales’ cellular IoT products. The company will incorporate Thales’ cellular IoT business and rebrand the new firm to Telit Cinterion. This acquisition increases Telit’s competitive advantage over Verizon. [16]
15. Cisco
Year founded: 1984
Headquarter: San Jose, California
Cisco is a leading business networking and communications solutions provider. The company offers Jabber and Webex, which compete against Verizon Business Connection. In 2022, Cisco employed over 26,000 people globally.
Cisco is best known for its Webex platform that provides a fully integrated UCaaS, CCaaS, and CPaaS. Businesses can use Webex Suite, Webex Contact Center, or Webex Connect to streamline digital, voice, and messaging interactions.
In Oct 2022, Cisco added new features and capabilities to Webex CX to enhance collaboration and communications. Cisco is one of the most comprehensive alternatives to Verizon Business Connection. [17]
References & more information
- Korn, J. (2023, Mar 6). Verizon is raising prices on older cell phone plans. CNN
- Alleven, M. (2022, Mar 3). Verizon beefs up C-band deployment to 175 million by end of 2022. Fierce Wireless
- Pope, J. (2022, Sep 21). Why AT&T’s 2023 looks brighter than its 2022. The Motley Fool
- La Monica, P. R. (2022, Dec 26). Mike Sievert of T-Mobile is the CNN Business CEO of the Year. CNN
- Sandle, P. (2022, Nov 15). Vodafone cuts outlook and seeks cost savings as economic woes mount. Reuters
- Blackman, J. (2022, Dec 8). KORE signs a deal with Google Cloud to pair IoT and AI functions, and drive sales. RCR Wireless
- Tomás, P. (2023, Mar 8). Airtel expands its 5G footprint in India with coverage in 125 new cities. RCR Wireless
- Millicom International Cellular (2023, Feb 10). Millicom Tigo closes 2022 with robust free cash flow. Globe Newswire
- Aeris (2023, Feb 28). Ericsson and Aeris Communications Showcase Combined IoT Capabilities at Mobile World Congress. Business Wire
- TELUS Communications Inc. (2023, Feb 9). TELUS reports strong operational and financial results for the fourth quarter of 2022. Globe Newswire
- Blackman, J. (2023, Jan 13). Semtech closes $1.2bn Sierra Wireless deal to pair LoRa and cellular in 10x IoT market. RCR Wireless
- Rogers Communications, Inc. (2023, Feb 2). Rogers Communications Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2022 Results. Globe Newswire
- Nagro, A. (2021, Dec 15). GoToConnect Business Phone System Review and Prices. US News
- CU Staff (2023, Feb 15). A1 Telekom Austria posts a 5.4% rise in FY22 revenue. CommUpdate
- Zoom Video Communications, Inc. (2022, Feb 28). Zoom Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2022 Financial Results. Globe Newswire
- Telit (2022, Jul 29). Telit and Thales Announce the Creation of the Leading Western IoT Solutions Provider: Telit Cinterion. PRNewswire
- Cisco (2022, Oct 26). Webex by Cisco enhances Customer Experiences in the Digital Era. Cisco.com
- Featured Image by Marques Thomas
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