Market consolidation in the US for wireless carriers continues. Today, T-Mobile announced it is acquiring UScellular for $4.4 billion in cash and debt. The magenta carrier will essentially “acquire substantially all of UScellular's wireless operations,” the two companies said.
After the acquisition closes in mid-2025, U.S. mobile customers will have full access to T-Mobile's “largest and fastest 5G network” in the country, allowing them to enjoy a “superior connectivity experience” without having to use from roaming when they leave the US mobile coverage area. .
UScellular customers will also be able to “fully participate” in the Un-carrier's “industry-leading, value-packed plans, packed with benefits and perks,” TMo says.
T-Mobile customers, on the other hand, will have access to UScellular's network in areas that previously had limited coverage. They will also benefit from improved performance across UScellular's network with the addition of the acquired spectrum to TMo's network.
The magenta airline couldn't help but hop on the irony train by claiming that this merger, which will reduce the number of airlines available to people in the US, will somehow allow them to benefit from “greater choice and competition.”
UScellular customers have the option to keep their current plans or switch to an unlimited T-Mobile plan of their choice, with no switching fees.
Mike Sievert, CEO of T-Mobile, said:
This deal allows T-Mobile to extend the superior Un-carrier value and experiences we are known for to millions of US mobile customers, offering them cheaper, value-priced plans and better connectivity on our best-in-class nationwide 5G network . As customers of both companies gain 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 networks for the good of consumers, and this deal is another way for us to continue doing more of that.
Laurent Therivel, CEO of UScellular, said:
T-Mobile's purchase and integration of UScellular's wireless business will provide best-in-class connectivity to rural Americans through improved nationwide coverage and service offerings at more attractive prices. The transaction provides our customers with access to better coverage and speeds, as well as unlimited texting in more than 215 countries, content offers, device upgrades and other benefits from T-Mobile.