Vertical Systems Group released its Mid-Year 2025 Global Provider Ethernet LEADERBOARD, ranking nine companies that each hold 4% or greater share of billable retail Ethernet ports at customer sites outside their home countries. Colt (U.K.) retained the top spot, followed by Orange Business (France), Verizon (U.S.), and AT&T (U.S.). NTT (Japan) advanced to #5, overtaking BT Global (U.K.), which slipped to #6. GTT (U.S.) and Vodafone (U.K.) moved up from the Challenge Tier to earn places on the LEADERBOARD at #7 and #8. Cirion (Argentina) ranked #9.
The Challenge Tier, which includes providers with 2–4% market share, cited five companies: Cogent (U.S.), SingTel (Singapore), T-Systems (Germany), Tata Communications (India), and Telefonica (Spain).
Vertical Systems Group noted that enterprise demand for Global Ethernet has slowed as customers migrate to Internet-based connectivity alternatives, cloud networking, and secure access technologies. The report highlighted that five of the nine LEADERBOARD companies—Colt, Orange Business, Verizon, AT&T, and BT Global—have achieved Mplify (formerly MEF) 3.0 Carrier Ethernet certification.
- Colt retains #1 position, holding leadership since 2023
- Orange Business, Verizon, AT&T remain in #2, #3, and #4 spots
- NTT advances to #5, BT Global falls to #6
- GTT and Vodafone join the LEADERBOARD for the first time
- Cirion drops to #9
- Challenge Tier: Cogent, SingTel, T-Systems, Tata Communications, Telefonica
- Enterprises shifting to Internet, SD-WAN, SSE/SASE, Wavelengths, and NaaS
- Mplify driving automation through LSO APIs among global Ethernet providers
“Market demand for Global Ethernet ports has slowed during the past year as enterprises worldwide transition to more ubiquitous Internet-based connectivity alternatives,” said Rick Malone, principal of Vertical Systems Group.
🌐 Analysis: The report underscores a turning point in global enterprise connectivity. Ethernet’s role is being reshaped as multinational customers increasingly favor Internet-first architectures and secure multi-cloud networking. Carrier providers are pivoting toward Network-as-a-Service models, with Mplify certification and API-driven automation emerging as key differentiators. Competitors in the Challenge Tier face pressure to scale internationally or deepen specialization to maintain relevance as demand shifts.
Source: Vertical Systems Group, Mid-Year 2025 Global Provider Ethernet LEADERBOARD