Brand values are in decline – but how about telecoms?

brand value
Image by patpitchaya

The brand value of the world’s biggest companies is set to lose an estimated US$1tn as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, with the telecoms sector seeing less of an impact than the likes of the aviation sector, according to the latest analysis by Brand Finance, an independent brand valuation consultancy.

Brand Finance has assessed the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak based on the effect of the outbreak on Business Value, as at 18 March 2020, compared to what it was on 1st January 2020. Based on this effect, Brand Finance estimated the likely impact on Brand Value for each sector. Each sector has been classified into 3 categories based on the severity of Business Value loss observed for the sector in the period between 1st January 2020 and 18th March 2020

Verizon overtakes AT&T

Verizon is now the world’s most valuable with a brand value of US$63.7 billion, over taking its US rival AT&T (US$59.1 billion), according to the latest report by Brand Finance, the world’s leading independent brand valuation consultancy. In the battle of the American telco titans, Verizon is commended for its overall performance, network reliability, network speed, data performance, call and text performance, while AT&T is the fastest falling and now the second most valuable telecoms brand in the world.

Down 32% to $59.1 billion. AT&T finds itself inching down to second rank for the first time in nearly a decade and loses its leadership on the telco top 150, overtaken by Verizon. The brand diversified its entertainment portfolio over the last few years, culminating with the acquisition of WarnerMedia, as part of a plan to move away from relying on the traditional telco business and paid TV, as both revenue streams have been drying up over the last years.

The upcoming launch of HBO Max with WarnerMedia, which will compete with streaming brands like Netflix, should help propel the company forward. AT&T recently announced a plan to drive significant growth through 2022, including limiting acquisitions, paying off debt to improve its balance sheet, and investing in strategic areas, such as 5G infrastructure to enable innovative services far above and beyond data.

Deutsche Telekom most valuable in Europe

Despite its 14% drop in brand value, Deutsche Telekom retains its place as the most valuable European telecoms brand in this year’s Brand Finance Telecoms 150 report with a brand value of US$40.0 billion. As Deutsche Telekom is one of the biggest investors by capex across telecom infrastructure, it would be worth monitoring precisely how the brand will leverage its leadership position to gain advantage in the 5G deployment and future applications, which may create additional value over time in terms of both brand and  business. For now, the brand remains true to its aspiration to be seen as Europe’s leading telecoms brand.

Etisalat is Middle East and Africa leader 

Emirati telecoms giant Etisalat has retained its title of the most valuable telecoms brand in the Middle East. Up 3 places to be ranked the world’s 16th most valuable telecoms brand, with a brand value of US$8.5 billion, Etisalat has demonstrated a consistent performance over the years. The brand is also the strongest telecoms brand in the Middle East and Africa – making it the sole brand in the region to maintain the prestigious AAA Brand Rating.

Etisalat’s footprint in 16 countries across Asia, Middle East, and Africa makes it home to an impressive portfolio of brands including Mobily, Ufone, Maroc Telecom, PTCL, and Etisalat Misr with a combined portfolio brand value of US$11.0 billion.

As the premier digital and telecommunications partner of the upcoming Expo2020 in Dubai, all eyes will be on Etisalat as it prepares to excite the Expo’s expected 25 million visitors with a seamless 5G connectivity that brings the event’s themes to life.

Vietnam’s VNPT is fastest growing

The fastest growing brand is Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT), recording an impressive 42% growth to $2.4 billion. VNPT has invested in 4G networks in order to meet customer demand and has ramped up efforts to increase its fibre optic cable speed, while still maintaining tariffs. The Vietnamese government’s plans for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, smart cities, start-ups, and the National Innovation Network Program, 4G and 5G, IoT, and mobile telecommunication networks, are supporting the telecoms sector to grow from strength to strength. 

AIS is sector’s strongest

In addition to measuring overall brand value, Brand Finance also evaluates the relative strength of brands, based on factors such as marketing investment, familiarity, loyalty, staff satisfaction, and corporate reputation. Alongside revenue forecasts, brand strength is a crucial driver of brand value.

According to these criteria, Thailand’s AIS is the world’s strongest telecoms brand with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 92 out of 100. The brand was crowned strongest telecoms last year and have seen a growth in BSI score while also managing to retain the elite AAA+ brand strength rating.

As the nation’s largest mobile operator, AIS has capitalised on Thailand’s booming mobile gaming industry through its sponsorship of the Thailand Game Expo. AIS also confirmed a sub-license deal to live broadcast the now postponed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, the 2020 Youth Olympics, the 2022 Winter Olympics In Beijing and the Dakar Youth Olympics in 2022.

China Mobile holds firm

Despite a drop by 12% in its brand value since last year, China Mobile (US$49.0 billion) has seen success through powering ahead with its 5G+ Plan, which focuses on its four main growth engines: customer, home, business and new markets. Having been granted its 5G license in June 2019, the brand has accelerated the process through its launch across 50 cities, assimilating emerging technologies such as AI, IoT and cloud computing and developed ever-more critical capabilities. Against the backdrop of the Coronavirus outbreak, China Mobile must now seize upon the opportunities from businesses and customers working from home and requiring more digital and cloud-based services

MTN is Africa’s top telecom

Rising up through the ranks of this year’s Telecoms 150 report is South Africa’s MTN (US$3.3 billion). MTN’s brand value was boosted by a solid overall performance for the year, despite challenging economic conditions and regulatory challenges in some markets. Africa’s biggest telcos brand, MTN has grown its subscriber level steadily over the past year and boosted its revenues. Customers spending more on data services and MTN’s 5G rollouts have meant the brand is well placed to cater to this growing demand

In recognition of MTN’s increasingly strong leadership position in telecommunication services throughout Africa and the other countries within which it operates, and because of their increasingly resilient network investments, MTN’s brand strength rating has been upgraded from AAA- to AAA. While their existing network infrastructure will be challenged by the upcoming transition from 4G to 5G mobile phone services, this solid brand strength will put them in a strong position to compete in the future

Telecoms Infrastructure 10 in 2020

Alongside the 150 most valuable telecoms operator brands, Brand Finance has ranked the world‘s top 10 most valuable telecoms infrastructure brands in the Brand Finance Telecoms Infrastructure 10 2020 league table. 

Clearly the next big opportunity for the telecoms infrastructure industry, the 5G space is inviting fierce competition, with Huawei expanding into markets traditionally covered by Western providers. Despite sparking controversy, the Chinese giant is making clear headway, and with a brand value of US$65.1 billion, now counts among the world’s top 10 most valuable brands for the first time.

Finland’s Nokia, up 1% to US$9.9 billion has enjoyed a boost in brand value serving the world’s top communications service providers, enterprises, and consumers – as well as deploying cutting-edge 5G technology.

View the full report here. Related article here.

Be the first to comment

What do you think?

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.