In another major move by one of the US’ biggest mobile operators, T-Mobile has struck a billion-dollar deal to acquire U.S Cellular.
T-Mobile and U.S Cellular
Major US mobile communications company T-Mobile has shared its plan to acquire mobile network operator U.S Cellular, according to an announcement made on Tuesday.
$4.4 Billion Deal
The Bellevue-based company plans to buy out the majority of the smaller companies’ wireless operations, including all of its stores and customers, and 30% of its spectrum assets, to the tune of approximately $4.4 billion.
Extending Value and Experience
“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,” T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert shared on the company’s official website.
Serving Rural Areas
U.S Cellular CEO Lauren Therivel also emphasized the benefits this deal would provide to “underserved rural areas,” where many Americans struggle to access affordable high-speed internet.
Providing “Best-in-Class Connectivity”
“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 Therivel.
“Largest and Fastest” 5G Network
T-Mobile’s 5G network is the “largest and fastest” network in the country according to the website.
Markets React to the Deal
U.S. Cellular Shares jumped in value by 12% shortly after the acquisition announcement. Shares for T-Mobile rose by 1% by the end of the day.
4 Million Customers for T-Mobile
The deal will mean an additional 4 million customers brought into the T-Mobile network, as well as new leases on thousands of U.S Cellular mobile towers across the country.
Debt and Stipulations
T-Mobile will also take over $2 billion in debt from U.S Cellular, and an additional $100 million from the initial package will be dependent on U.S Mobile meeting certain financial and performance metrics before the deal is signed.
Mid-Year Estimate
Both companies expect the deal to be finalized by the middle of the year, according to the statement.
Ka’ena Corp Acquisition
The deal is the latest of recent moves by T-Mobile to continue their expansion across the US. Just last month the FCC approved T-Mobile’s $1.35 billion acquisition of Ka’ena Corp, the owner of Mint Mobile.
Sprint Merger
Back in 2024 the company also merged with telecommunications company Sprint in a $26 billion merger, eventually bringing Sprint under the T-Mobile brand.
C-Suite Changes
The merger also led to the departure of CEO John Legere after almost a decade in the role, ushering in Sievert who had previously served as president and COO.
2013 MetroPCS Merger
T-Mobile also merged with MetroPCS Communications Inc. back in 2013. At the time, T-Mobile was the 4th largest mobile carrier throughout the US, and MetroPCS was just one step behind them as the 5th largest carrier.
Wireless Industry Shakeup
Undoubtedly the company has been shaking up the wireless industry in the last decade. Experts see the latest acquisitions as a sign of the consolidation of the industry, with more and more smaller providers dropping off and being bought out.
“The Writing is On the Wall”
“The writing is on the wall for the carriers and consolidation is now on the horizon and could speed up into 2025,” said Dan Ives, an analyst at Wedbush Securities.
“The First Shot Across the Bow”
According to Ives, these recent moves are just the next in a series of wireless mergers and acquisitions. “This is the first shot across the bow in the wireless world and we expect more deals over the next year,” he said.
Less Choice, But More Competition
Ives also pointed to the dwindling options of mobile providers, and how it could be both a boon and a problem for customers. “The U.S. consumer has less choice but there is more competition and this could drive prices lower,” he explained.
Waiting for Approval
Still, the merger is just a proposal at this point and still needs to be approved by the FCC and other regulators. But New Street Research telecom analyst Blair Levin believes that while there is a “mild risk,” it is unlikely to stop the deal from going through.
Things Are Looking Good
“The major concerns we have heard go to the approach the leadership at the antitrust authorities and the FCC have taken in analyzing transactions,” Levin told T-Mobile investors. “While these concerns are understandable, we don’t think they will lead to any transaction being rejected.”
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