T-Mobile's acquisition of US Cellular for $4.4 billion is a strategic move to enhance its network coverage, particularly in rural areas1. This consolidation in the telecommunications industry is driven by the need to increase scale and investment to compete with the latest technologies and meet regulatory requirements. The acquisition is expected to bring approximately four million new customers to T-Mobile, with US Cellular retaining a significant portion of its spectrum licenses and cell towers1. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is likely to scrutinize this merger, given its history of being skeptical of mergers that may negatively impact consumers1.