T-Mobile’s $4.4 billion takeover of UScellular’s wireless business cleared its final regulatory hurdle late Friday as Federal Communications Commission staff approved the necessary license transfers—just hours after the U.S. Department of Justice declined to challenge the deal.
The ruling from the FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau and Office of International Affairs marks a major milestone in the reshaping of the U.S. telecom landscape. Despite vocal opposition from consumer advocates and smaller carriers, the federal watchdog deemed the transaction in line with public interest standards, potentially setting the stage for expanded rural coverage and competitive market shifts.
A Deal Years in the Making
Originally announced last year, the deal grants T-Mobile control of UScellular’s wireless customers, its operations, and approximately 30% of its licensed spectrum. It also signals the end of an era for UScellular, a legacy regional provider that has struggled to hold ground against the “Big Three”—AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile itself.
The FCC, in its statement, acknowledged the acquisition triggers competitive red flags in certain markets but said, after deeper analysis, that the transaction is unlikely to harm competition or the broader public interest.
“We find the transfer of licenses and authorizations to T-Mobile will serve the public interest, convenience, and necessity,” the agency wrote.
