WBE Certification for Telecommunications Companies

Why WBE Certification Matters for Telecommunications Companies

For businesses that are at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by one or more women.

For telecommunications businesses, WBE certification opens doors to corporate supplier diversity programs and federal contracting opportunities specifically targeting this sector. Many Fortune 500 companies and government agencies have dedicated spending goals for WBE-certified suppliers in telecommunications.

Telecommunications offers some of the largest diverse supplier programs in the world. Here's why certification matters: **Billion Dollar Roundtable Members**: AT&T, Verizon, and Comcast NBCUniversal are all charter or long-standing members of the Billion Dollar Roundtable, each spending over $1 billion annually with diverse suppliers. AT&T alone has spent over $230 billion with diverse suppliers since it began tracking this metric. **Regulatory Expectations**: State public utility commissions, such as the CPUC in California, require telecommunications companies to report diversity procurement. Verizon reported over $5.7 billion in diverse supplier spending in 2024. T-Mobile exceeded $1.4 billion in diverse spend in California alone in 2023. **Infrastructure Investment**: The telecom industry is investing heavily in 5G deployment, fiber-to-the-home expansion, and data center construction. These massive capital projects require contractors, material suppliers, equipment vendors, and professional services firms—creating opportunities for diverse suppliers at all tiers. **Broad Procurement Needs**: Telecom companies buy everything from network construction and fiber installation to marketing, fleet management, facilities services, IT consulting, and customer equipment. Diverse suppliers across many industries can sell into telecom. **BEAD Program**: The Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program is distributing $42.45 billion to expand broadband access. This creates additional subcontracting opportunities for diverse suppliers in broadband construction and deployment. Note: Several major carriers have been restructuring their diversity programs in 2025 in response to evolving legal and regulatory landscapes. However, the scale of telecom procurement with diverse suppliers remains substantial.

WBE Eligibility Requirements

Must be at least 51% owned by women who are U.S. citizens.

To qualify for WBE certification through WBENC: **Ownership Requirements:** - At least 51% owned by one or more women who are U.S. citizens - Women owners must have contributed capital or expertise proportional to their ownership **Control Requirements:** - Women must hold the highest officer position (CEO, President, etc.) - Women must control day-to-day operations - Women must make long-term strategic decisions - Women must sign on major contracts, leases, and financial obligations **Business Requirements:** - Must be a for-profit business operating in the U.S. - Must be an independent business (not a subsidiary of a non-woman-owned company) - Must be operational with demonstrated business activity

Required Documents for WBE

How to Apply for WBE as a Telecommunications Business

1. **Step 1: Identify Your Regional Partner Organization (RPO)**
2. WBENC processes applications through 14 Regional Partner Organizations. Visit wbenc.org/rpos to find yours.
3. **Step 2: Create a WBENC Account**
4. Register at wbenc.org and begin the online application process.
5. **Step 3: Complete the Application**
6. The application includes detailed questions about ownership, control, operations, and capabilities.
7. **Step 4: Upload Documentation**
8. Submit all required documents through the online portal.
9. **Step 5: Pay Application Fee**
10. Fees vary by RPO and company size, typically $350-$1,000.
11. **Step 6: Application Review**
12. Your RPO reviews the application for completeness and compliance.
13. **Step 7: Site Visit**
14. An RPO representative visits your business to verify information.
15. **Step 8: Certification Committee Review**
16. The committee makes the final certification decision.
17. **Step 9: National Certification**
18. Once approved, you receive national WBENC certification.

Telecommunications Corporate Programs Accepting WBE

These companies have telecommunications supplier diversity programs that accept WBE certification:

Browse all corporate programs →

Government Telecommunications Opportunities

**Federal Opportunities** Key agencies purchasing telecom products and services: - **Federal Communications Commission (FCC)**: Regulatory technology, broadband programs - **Department of Defense (DoD)**: Military communications, satellite systems, cybersecurity - **Department of Homeland Security (DHS)**: Emergency communications, network security - **National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)**: Broadband deployment programs including BEAD **Key Programs and Contracts** - Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions (EIS) - GSA's $50B government-wide telecom contract - BEAD Program - $42.45B for broadband expansion with subcontracting opportunities - FirstNet (AT&T) - National public safety broadband network - GSA MAS for IT and telecommunications equipment and services **Categories of Government Telecom Procurement** - Network infrastructure design and installation - Managed network services - Unified communications (UCaaS) - Cybersecurity for telecom infrastructure - Fiber optic cable installation - Wireless tower construction and maintenance - Satellite communications - Video conferencing and collaboration tools **State and Local** State broadband offices administering BEAD funds, municipal broadband projects, school district connectivity (E-Rate program), and public safety communications all create telecom contracting opportunities.

Other Certifications for Telecommunications Companies

WBE Certification for Other Industries