FCC Approves Transactions for T-Mobile, MetroNet, Intelsat and UScelullar

 -- FCC Completes Review of Wireless, Satellite, and Fiber Transactions The Three Combinations Approved This Week Will Strengthen Investment, Lower Costs, and Improve Service Quality WASHINGTON, July 11, 2025—Today, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announced that the agency approved three separate transactions this week that involve wireless, satellite, and fiber-based services. FCC Chairman Carr issued the following statement: “As part of the FCC’s Build America Agenda, the agency is working to unleash new builds, encourage greater investment, and expand network capacity. The FCC’s decisions this week further all of these goals while cutting across multiple different sectors of the communications market. In looking at these transactions, the FCC has been guided by the Communications Act, agency precedent, and a forward-looking understanding of the market for connectivity. As consumers continue to choose from a range of technologies to meet their connectivity needs, the FCC will ensure that its decisions promote the public interest.” Additional Background: On September 13, 2024, T-Mobile and UScellular filed applications seeking Commission approval for the assignment of spectrum licenses, customers, authorizations, and spectrum leases from UScellular to T-Mobile.  Under the transaction, T-Mobile would acquire UScellular’s wireless operations, customers, and approximately 30% of its licensed spectrum.  Today’s FCC approval of this transaction is expected to result in substantial network benefits for customers of both T-Mobile and UScellular, including additional capacity and coverage benefits, as well as improved fixed wireless access service with higher speeds and capacity. On May 20, 2024, Intelsat and SES filed applications to transfer control of the FCC licenses held by Intelsat to SES.  Both Intelsat and SES are providers of satellite communications.  Today’s approval of the SES Intelsat transaction builds on the Commission’s efforts to promote the provision of robust and competitive satellite services to the public.  It has the potential to lower costs, improve quality, and increase investment.  It also will create a more vigorous multi-orbit competitor in the satellite communications marketplace. On September 20, 2024, the FCC issued a Public Notice seeking comment on an application to transfer control of five subsidiaries of Metronet to T-Mobile USA, Inc. Through the FCC’s approval this week of this transaction, the combined entity will be able to expand fiber-based services. The FCC also recognized the benefit of T-Mobile’s commitments to America’s tower crews and telecom workers, and the company’s commitment to equal opportunity employment and nondiscrimination practices consistent with federal law. ### Media Contact: [email protected] / (202) 418-0500 @FCC / www.fcc.gov This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).