Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite) — Business Survival Rate

An estimated 58% of wireless telecommunications carriers (except satellite) businesses survive their first 5 years, based on U.S. Census Bureau Business Dynamics Statistics. The annual business closure rate is 10.4%.

58%
5-Year Survival Rate
-4.7%
Net Growth Rate
7,166
Total Firms
1,112
Annual Firm Deaths

Is Wireless Telecommunications Carriers a Good Business to Start?

With a 58% five-year survival rate, wireless telecommunications carriers (except satellite) is near the national average (~50%). This means roughly half of new entrants will still be operating after 5 years — typical business risk that rewards solid planning and execution.

The annual exit rate of 10.4% indicates moderate turnover. Success depends on differentiation, location, and operational efficiency rather than inherent industry advantages.

Entry vs. Exit Rates

Annual rate of new businesses opening versus existing businesses closing.

Entry Rate (new businesses)7.0%
Exit Rate (closures)10.4%

Net negative: more businesses closing than opening (-3.5 pp spread).

Job Creation & Destruction

7.7%
Job Creation Rate
12.3%
Job Destruction Rate
-4.7%
Net Job Growth

The industry is losing jobs faster than creating them — which may indicate automation, consolidation, or declining demand. Total employment: 827,852 workers across 7,166 firms.

Want to know how much wireless telecommunications carriers (except satellite) businesses actually make?

See full revenue benchmarks for Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite) →

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of wireless telecommunications carriers (except satellite) businesses fail?
Approximately 42% of wireless telecommunications carriers (except satellite) businesses fail within their first 5 years. The annual closure rate is 10.4%, with 1,112 firms closing permanently in 2023.
Is the wireless telecommunications carriers (except satellite) industry growing or shrinking?
The wireless telecommunications carriers (except satellite) industry is currently shrinking with a net job creation rate of -4.7% per year. New businesses are entering at 7.0% while 10.4% close annually.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (2023). Survival rate estimated from annual exit rates.