BELLEVUE, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – T-Mobile is buying U.S. Cellular in a deal valued at $4.4 billion, further consolidating the telecommunications industry.

T-Mobile, which has headquarters in Bellevue, would get more than 4 million new customers and control of U.S. Cellular’s wireless operations. The transaction includes a combination of cash and up to about $2 billion of assumed debt.

T-Mobile is among the more active companies in telecommunications with regard to mergers and acquisitions.

In 2020, T-Mobile completed the takeover of smaller rival Sprint. And in 2013, the FCC approved its merger with MetroPCS.

T-Mobile said that U.S. Cellular customers will gain access to its 5G network, adding that the deal will particularly benefit those that live in underserved rural areas of the country. U.S. Cellular customers will be able to remain on their current plans or switch to an unlimited T-Mobile plan of their choice for no additional cost.

The deal is expected to close in mid-2025.