US DOJ Closes Investigation into T-Mobile Transaction with UScellular.

The US Department of Justice has closed its investigation into the proposed transaction between T-Mobile, UScellular, and Telephone and Data Systems. The transaction remains subject to approval by the Federal Communications Commission and the companies will continue to work with the FCC as they complete their independent assessment.

The United States Department of Justice Antitrust Division has closed its investigation into the proposed transaction between T-Mobile US, Inc. (NYSE: TMUS) and United States Cellular Corporation (NYSE: USM), with Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (NYSE: TDS) as the majority owner of UScellular. This development marks a significant step forward in the process, but the transaction remains subject to approval by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

The DOJ's decision to close the investigation does not imply an endorsement of the transaction. Instead, it reflects the agency's assessment that the deal, while potentially leading to market consolidation, does not pose an immediate threat to competition. The DOJ had previously raised concerns about the high level of consolidation in the wireless industry but ultimately did not block the transaction, noting that UScellular's smaller size would have eventually led to its demise without the deal.

The transaction, which involves the sale of UScellular's wireless operations and select spectrum assets to T-Mobile, is expected to bring benefits to UScellular's customers, such as improved network quality and services, as T-Mobile integrates UScellular's operations. However, the potential impact on competition and market dynamics will be closely watched by industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies.

The FCC's independent assessment is ongoing, and the transaction is subject to regulatory approval and the satisfaction of all closing conditions. Once the deal is finalized, T-Mobile US will be positioned to offer its customers a more extensive range of wireless services and spectrum licenses.

References:
[1] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/us-department-justice-antitrust-division-132500215.html
[2] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/uscellular-announces-fcc-approval-for-sale-of-wireless-operations-and-select-spectrum-assets-302503636.html
[3] https://www.ainvest.com/news/uscellular-receives-fcc-approval-wireless-operations-spectrum-sale-2507/
[4] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-department-of-justice-antitrust-division-closes-its-investigation-into-proposed-transaction-with-t-mobile-and-uscellular-302503309.html
[5] https://www.morningstar.com/news/pr-newswire/20250711cg28618/us-department-of-justice-antitrust-division-closes-its-investigation-into-proposed-transaction-with-t-mobile-and-uscellular