Telecommunication services are a main pillar of the German innovation system. They provide a key backbone for modern communication which is a fundament for many innovations in various industryies The German telecommunication providers spend more than 5 billion Euro every year for developing and introducing new products and services, better processes and new telecommunication infrastructure. Despite this innovative effort   which is comparable to that of large industries such as the chemical industry, the electrical engineering industry or the pharmaceutical industry   public attention to the role of the telecommunication sector for innovation is rather limited.This study compiles up-to-date information on the role of telecommunication for innovation in Germany based on recent surveys by ZEW, including two targeted surveys for this project on the use of information and telecommunication technologies (ITCT) in ITCT using sectors. Special attention is given to the contribution of telecommunication to innovations in other sectors, including new products, new business models and the start-up of new companies. In addition, the diffusion of new telecommunication applications such as mobile internet, cloud computing and new services based on super-fast broadband.