T-Mobile buys UScellular for $4.4 billion

The market consolidation in the US for wireless carriers continues. Today, T-Mobile has announced that it's buying UScellular for $4.4 billion in cash and assumed debt. The magenta carrier is essentially acquiring "substantially all of UScellular's wireless operations", the two companies have noted.

After the acquisition closes in mid-2025, UScellular customers will have full access to T-Mobile's "largest and fastest 5G network" in the country, enjoying a "superior connectivity experience" without needing to employ roaming when going out of the UScellular coverage area.

UScellular customers will also be able to "fully participate" in the Un-carrier's "industry-leading value-packed plans filled with benefits and perks", TMo says.

T-Mobile customers, on the other hand, will get access to UScellular's network in areas that previously had limited coverage. They'll also benefit from enhanced performance throughout UScellular's footprint from the addition of the acquired spectrum to TMo's network.

The magenta carrier couldn't help but hop on the irony train by claiming that this merger, which will reduce the number of carriers available to people in the US, will somehow make them benefit from "enhanced choice and competition".

UScellular customers will have the option to stay on their current plans or move to an unlimited T-Mobile plan of their choice with no switching costs.

Mike Sievert, CEO of T-Mobile, said:

With this deal T-Mobile can extend the superior Un-carrier value and experiences that we’re famous for to millions of UScellular customers and deliver them lower-priced, value-packed plans and better connectivity on our best-in-class nationwide 5G network. As customers from both companies will get more coverage and more capacity from our combined footprint, our competitors will be forced to keep up – and even more consumers will benefit. The Un-carrier is all about shaking up wireless for the good of consumers and this deal is another way for us to continue doing even more of that.

Laurent Therivel, CEO of UScellular, said:

T-Mobile’s purchase and integration of UScellular’s wireless operations will provide best-in-class connectivity to rural Americans through enhanced nationwide coverage and service offerings at more compelling price points. The transaction provides our customers access to better coverage and speeds, as well as unlimited texting in more than 215 countries, content offers, device upgrades and other T-Mobile benefits.

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