T-Mobile agreed to acquire substantially all of UScellular’s wireless operations – including its wireless customers, brick and mortar stores and certain specified spectrum assets – for $4.4 billion.
Upon closing, T-Mobile’s leading 5G network will expand to provide millions of UScellular customers – in particular those in underserved rural areas – with connectivity that moves from a roaming experience outside of the UScellular coverage areas to full, nationwide coverage on its 5G network. UScellular customers will also gain the ability to participate in T-Mobile plans, accessing its traditional benefits, perks and customer support. T-Mobile customers, meanwhile, can access UScellular’s network in areas that previously had limited coverage, benefitting from enhanced performance throughout UScellular’s footprint due to the addition of acquired spectrum.
“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,” said Mike Sievert, CEO, T-Mobile. “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.”
“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,” said Laurent Therivel, CEO, UScellular. “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.”
UScellular customers will have the option to stay on their current plans or move to an unlimited T-Mobile plan of their choosing with no switching costs. These include benefits such as streaming and free international data roaming.
T-Mobile’s $4.4 billion bill comes in a combination of cash and up to $2 billion in debt to be assumed. The transaction is subject to the satisfying of closing conditions and receipt of regulatory approval, and is expected to close in mid-2025.
Information on T-Mobile’s partner program for wireless resellers is available here. For USCellular’s business reseller program, click here.
