T-Mobile finalizes $4 billion US Cellular purchase amid massive satellite service rollout

After announcing an expansion to bring satellite talk and text to users across the US, T-Mobile has officially purchased US Cellular. The company will absorb all existing customers and a handful of employees top continue expanding the existing network.

Last month, T-Mobile announced that it would begin to officially roll out access to its new satellite network, allowing users to call and text via an outer atmosphere connection rather than an earthbound one. The rollout would expand on what other companies like Google had done, though it would make more than just emergency calls possible.

In addition to that move, T-Mobile today announced that it had also finalized a deal to acquire US Cellular operations. The acquisition cost the company $4.3 billion in cash and some debt acquisition.

According to the press release, the US Cellular brand will transition to T-Mobile in phases, though little detail is given as to what that actually means for customers. US Cellular’s network array remains its own company, though, under Array Digital Infrastructure. That company will retain ownership of a large number of towers.

Array Digital Infrastructure Inc. (formerly UScellular) will retain ownership of a significant portion of the company’s spectrum and towers, continuing operations as a separate infrastructure-focused entity.

In effect, T-Mobile purchased the brand and customers without most of the infrastructure, opting to use DGI’s system and its current operating network.

This acquisition will likely result in better coverage for US Cellular customers across the board. Where there was little coverage before, customers will now have access to a broader network and a stronger signal in many circumstances. T-Mobile notes that nearly all US Cellular customer devices will continue to work on its network.

T-Mobile also clarified that US Cellular users can stay on their existing plans without making any changes, but larger and more beneficial upgrades will be available now, including access to streaming services and international roaming. Of course, those plans will inevitably cost more on average.

It’s likely that US Cellular users will also now have access to T-Mobile’s satellite network. The T-Satellite plan is powered by StarLink. It’s easier to sign up if you’re an existing T-Mobile customer with the new Experience Beyond plan, and the process is pretty straightforward. Other users can join too, but you need a compatible device.