FCC Approves T-Mobile $4.4B US Cellular, Metronet Acquisitions

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved several major telecommunications deals in 2025, including T-Mobile's $4.4 billion acquisition of U.S. Cellular's wireless operations and a portion of its spectrum assets, which will add approximately 4.4 million customers to T-Mobile's network. The Justice Department did not challenge the deal on antitrust grounds, although consumer advocates and rural wireless carriers expressed concerns about reduced competition among smaller providers. Additionally, the FCC approved T-Mobile's $4.9 billion joint venture with investment firm KKR to acquire a 50 percent stake in Metronet, a fiber provider aiming to expand its network significantly, supporting T-Mobile’s broader strategy to bundle fixed and mobile broadband services. Another notable FCC approval was SES’s $3.1 billion acquisition of Intelsat, which combines extensive satellite assets and is expected to enhance satellite service competition and quality. T-Mobile's expansion efforts under CEO Mike Sievert focus on increasing network capacity and coverage, although the company attracted criticism for commitments made to the FCC, including the elimination of diversity and inclusion programs. These moves reflect ongoing consolidation and investment trends in the U.S. telecommunications and satellite industries.