Rising brand values, global reshuffles and India’s telecom surge; 2026 sees Deutsche Telekom at US$96.2 billion globally while Airtel, Jio and Vi climb the rankings in India.
The combined brand value of Indian telecom companies rose to US$16.5 billion in 2026, up 7% from US$15.5 billion last year, according to Brand Finance’s Telecoms 150 2026 report. The increase was driven largely by price rises across prepaid and postpaid plans.
Airtel’s brand value grew 6% to US$8.1 billion, ranking 17th globally. Jio Group rose 14% to US$7.4 billion, placing 23rd, and climbed 13 positions in brand strength to 28th worldwide, with a score of 81.9/100. Vi reported a 7% increase to US$646 million, moving up three places to 101st, while BSNL fell 18% to US$282 million but is pursuing a rural penetration strategy.
Ajimon Francis, Managing Director India at Brand Finance, noted: “Indian telecoms brands are rapidly transitioning into multi‑product/service entities backed by technology, content and streaming services… The sector is churning fast in India.”
Globally, the total value of the top 150 telecom brands reached US$741.8 billion in 2026. Deutsche Telekom retained its position as the most valuable telecom brand for the third consecutive year, with a value of US$96.2 billion, up 141% since 2020. It also ranks 11th among the world’s 500 most valuable brands and remains Europe’s most valuable corporate brand.
Verizon held second place at US$73 billion, while AT&T rose 3% to US$53.9 billion, maintaining third position. China Mobile (US$49.4 billion) and NTT Group (US$41.9 billion) completed the top five.
Vodafone climbed to 11th globally after a 29% rise to US$15.6 billion, supported by its 2025 merger with Three.
Romanian brand DIGI entered the top 100 for the first time, rising 32% to US$846.7 million, while Mexican brand Izzi grew 45% to US$325.4 million following its acquisition of Sky Mexico.
Meanwhile, Claro strengthened its Latin American presence, increasing 43% to US$5.0 billion.
In terms of brand strength, Viettel Group became the strongest telecom brand globally with a score of 89.9/100 and an AAA+ rating.
CelcomDigi rose to second place, while Proximus, Turkcell, Elisa and Globe Telecom entered the top 10. Deutsche Telekom also improved its Brand Strength Index to 83.8/100, maintaining its AAA‑ rating.
The report highlighted both global consolidation and regional expansion, with Indian brands continuing to climb the rankings while international players pursue mergers, acquisitions, and infrastructure investments to bolster competitiveness.
