The global telecom services market was valued at $1.80 trillion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a 6.2% compound annual growth rate through 2030, as reported by Grand View Research. This growth is driven by factors such as 5G infrastructure investments, a rising number of mobile subscribers, increasing demand for high-speed data, and the growing need for managed services.
This industry has undergone a remarkable evolution since its inception. From early forms of communication like voice and basic visual signals transmitted over wired infrastructure, it has progressed to today’s sophisticated landscape of exchanging audio, video, and text content across diverse wireless networks. This evolution is marked by advancements in data speeds, transitioning from early technologies like GSM and CDMA to 3G, and 4G, and now the commercialization of 5G, enabling rapid data transfer that was once unimaginable.
According to Forbes, one of the driving forces for the telecom industry in 2025 will be the continued rollout and maturation of 5G technology. 5G will deliver faster speeds and improved connectivity and also unlock a new era of possibilities, such as enabling immersive experiences like VR/AR, powering advanced industrial applications, and driving innovation across a wide range of sectors.
While 5G is currently being deployed, attention is shifting to 6G, which promises to deliver significantly enhanced capabilities. IDTechEx recently reported that 6G will revolutionize communication by operating in the terahertz (THz) spectrum. This will enable unprecedented data rates (Tbps) and ultra-low latency. Beyond speed, 6G will unlock new applications like energy harvesting and advanced sensing. To achieve this, 6G will utilize higher frequency bands (7-20 GHz, W-band, D-band) for both access and backhaul. However, higher frequencies present challenges like atmospheric absorption and interference.
Overcoming these requires optimizing link budgets through advancements in semiconductor technology. While CMOS may suffice for lower frequencies, SiGe and InP technologies are crucial for higher frequencies. SiGe BiCMOS offers a good balance of performance and cost, while InP provides the highest performance. Furthermore, Antenna-in-Package (AiP) technology is vital for integrating antennas directly into semiconductor packages, crucial for high-frequency communication, particularly in the mmWave and sub-THz ranges.
With that, let’s take a look at the 12 best telecom stocks to invest in now.
Methodology
We sifted through the Finviz stock screener to compile an initial list of top telecom stocks to invest in. We then selected the 12 stocks that were the most popular among elite hedge funds and that analysts were bullish on. The stocks are ranked in ascending order of the number of hedge funds that have stakes in them, as of Q3 2024. The hedge fund data was sourced from Insider Monkey’s database which tracks the moves of over 900 elite money managers.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).
12 Best Telecom Stocks To Invest In Now
12. Tim S.A. (NYSE:TIMB)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 16
Tim S.A. (NYSE:TIMB) is a telecommunications company that provides mobile voice, data, and broadband services in Brazil. It offers in-mobile, landline, long-distance, and data transmission services. Its customers include individuals as well as corporates.
Tim S.A. (NYSE:TIMB) reported robust Q3 2024 results that were led by the expansion of its B2B initiatives. The company was able to double its mobile ads and data monetization revenues over the past 12 months and made BRL 600 million in contracted revenues in the IT market. This development is crucial as the company navigates challenges in the prepaid market, including lower recharge frequencies among certain customer segments. This brings the focus to the postpaid customer base, which grew close to 8% year-over-year, to mitigate these challenges.
While Tim S.A. (NYSE:TIMB) faces competitive pressures from new market entrants like Nubank, the company remains confident in achieving 5-6% growth in 2025. This outlook is supported by continued expansion in its digital services and B2B segments, positioning the company for long-term success.
11. Telus Corp. (NYSE:TU)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 16
Telus Corp. (NYSE:TU) is a telecommunications and IT company. It operates in two main segments. One is Technology Solutions, which offers products and services like telecommunications, network services, healthcare, IT, data, and digital solutions for both businesses and consumers. The other is Digitally-Led Customer Experiences, which focuses on providing digital transformation solutions, such as AI and content management, to businesses.
The company reported strong third-quarter 2024 results and maintained industry-leading postpaid mobile phone churn rates below 1% for the eleventh consecutive year. At the same time, it achieved significant customer growth, adding 347,000 net customers, including 289,000 mobile subscribers and 34,000 internet subscribers. It builds customer loyalty with innovative product bundles, averaging over 3.2 products per household, and initiatives like TELUS SmartEnergy and TELUS HomeView.
To maintain profitability, Telus Corp. (NYSE:TU) strategically chooses not to match dilutive offers in the market, prioritizing long-term sustainability over short-term gains. Its customer-centric approach positions the company for continued growth.