North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) 2007

517 - Telecommunications

This subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing telecommunications and/or video entertainment services over their own or leased networks, on a resale basis or over client-supplied high speed Internet connections. The establishments of this subsector are grouped into industries on the basis of the nature of services provided (fixed or mobile), the type of network used to deliver those services (wireline or wireless), and the business model they employ (facilities-based or resale).

• Exclusion(s):

  Establishments primarily engaged in:

  • the installation and maintenance of broadcasting and telecommunications systems by independent contractors (See 23 Construction)
  • offering limited Internet connectivity at establishments usually known as Internet cafés and a combination of other services such as facsimile services, training, rental of on-site personal computers for word processing, games rooms, or food services (see 56143 Business Service Centres or 722 Food Services and Drinking Places)

5171 - Wired Telecommunications Carriers

This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing telecommunications and/or video entertainment services to their customer premises over network facilities operated by them. The establishments of this industry can own a network, lease a network or combine leased and owned facilities and their networks can integrate various technologies.

5172 - Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite)

This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing telecommunications and/or video entertainment services to mobile telecommunication devices over network facilities operated by them. The establishments of this industry can own a network, lease a network or combine leased and owned facilities.

5174 - Satellite Telecommunications

This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing mobile and fixed telecommunications services over satellite network facilities operated by them or by distributing the services of other satellite network operators. Establishments in this industry typically serve a business clientele (telecommunication carriers, private business networks, broadcasters) but can also provide services to individual customers that are beyond the reach of terrestrial networks (e.g. high speed Internet).

5179 - Other Telecommunications

This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing telecommunications and/or video entertainment services over network facilities operated by others and establishments primarily engaged in operating telecommunications networks or providing telecommunication services not elsewhere classified.