Supplier Diversity

Supplier Diversity Challenge

In June 1999, our company, on behalf of the Telecommunications Industry Group, helped issue a challenge to the entire telecommunications industry asking that all companies establish world-class supplier diversity programs and goals of 10% procurement from diversity suppliers. Known as the "Supplier Diversity Challenge" which was issued at the industry's annual SUPERCOMM event, the challenge looked to increase supplier diversity spending by $5 billion.

By the year 2000, over 34 total companies were added to the signatory list, up from the original 14 companies. Supplier diversity spending increased in the first year of "The Challenge" by $1 billion. Our corporation accounted for over $400M of that increase.

Today, over 90 telecommunications companies are now pledging to increase supplier diversity spending results within their companies and the industry. The telecommunications' Supplier Diversity Challenge has achieved over $28 billion total supplier diversity spending, representing 8.3%, from 1999 through 2003. If you are a diversity supplier seeking business opportunities in the telecommunications industry, explore these industry leaders who are making significant strides in diversifying their supply chains.