- T‑Mobile completes purchase of UScellular’s wireless operations and stores for approximately $4.3 billion, including spectrum assets.
- Four million UScellular customers gain access to T‑Mobile’s 5G network, while UScellular retains most cell towers and spectrum for separate monetisation.
What happened:T‑Mobile acquires wireless operations and spectrum
On 1 August 2025, T‑Mobile completed its acquisition of UScellular’s wireless business in a deal worth approximately $4.3 billion, including assumed debt. The agreement includes all of UScellular’s wireless subscribers, its physical retail footprint, and a major portion of its licensed spectrum assets. The purchase brings roughly four million UScellular customers under the T‑Mobile brand, who will transition over time while retaining current plans for now.
The deal also simplifies T‑Mobile’s spectrum portfolio, adding critical mid-band and low-band holdings. While T‑Mobile gains consumer assets, UScellular retains 70% of its spectrum and ownership of 4,400 towers, which will operate under a new infrastructure leasing brand: Array Digital Infrastructure.
Why it’s important
This move strengthens T‑Mobile’s dominance in the U.S. wireless sector, giving it additional rural reach and bolstering its mid-band 5G capacity. UScellular customers, many in underserved areas, may benefit from better coverage and service continuity through T‑Mobile’s infrastructure.
However, the acquisition also raises concerns about reduced competition. With one fewer national carrier, the pressure increases on regulatory agencies to ensure fair access to spectrum and infrastructure, especially in rural America. UScellular’s pivot to infrastructure leasing through Array Digital may address some gaps, but whether this shift benefits consumers long-term remains uncertain.
As T‑Mobile continues to grow via acquisitions, questions about market concentration, pricing power, and future investment in low-density areas become more urgent.
