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United States Cellular Corporation (NYSE: USM), headquartered in Chicago, is a prominent regional wireless carrier with approximately 4.5 million retail connections across 21 states. Serving regions such as the Midwest, mid-Atlantic, New England, and the Pacific Northwest, UScellular's operations cover a population of about 32 million people. The company primarily serves rural areas and second/third-tier cities, with notable exceptions being the greater Milwaukee and Oklahoma City regions.
UScellular provides a comprehensive range of wireless products and services, bolstered by excellent customer support and a high-quality network. Unlike many of its peers, UScellular owns the majority of its towers, which gives it a unique competitive edge. The company also holds a 5.5% stake in Verizon Wireless' Los Angeles operations. In recent developments, UScellular has agreed to sell its wireless operations and 30% of its spectrum assets to T-Mobile for $4.4 billion, with the transaction expected to close in mid-2025.
Financially, UScellular reported total operating revenues of $950 million for the first quarter of 2024, and a net income attributable to shareholders of $18 million. The company has maintained financial discipline, focusing on postpaid ARPU growth and expense management, despite challenging market conditions. UScellular's recent strategic decision to explore a range of alternatives, including the sale to T-Mobile, aims to enhance shareholder value and position the company for long-term growth.
In addition to its core wireless services, UScellular's tower assets represent one of the largest tower businesses in the United States. Post-transaction, T-Mobile will become a long-term tenant on over 2,600 of these towers, ensuring continued service and creating a stable revenue stream for UScellular. The company also retains significant spectrum assets and equity method investments, which generated $158 million in income and $150 million in distributions in 2023.
UScellular remains committed to its mission of connecting people to what matters most, striving to improve network quality, expand 5G services, and maintain strong customer relationships. For more information, visit UScellular.
Telephone and Data Systems (NYSE: TDS) announced its board approved the sale of UScellular's wireless operations and 30% of its spectrum assets to T-Mobile for $4.4 billion, including cash and assumed debt. This decision follows a strategic review started in August 2023 and aims to provide significant value to UScellular customers and shareholders. TDS will receive proceeds proportionate to its ownership and plans to invest in fiber infrastructure and reduce leverage. Additionally, TDS announced dividends for Q2 2024. The transaction requires regulatory approval and is expected to close in mid-2025.
UScellular will retain 70% of its spectrum assets and continue to generate revenue from its tower business with T-Mobile as a key tenant. TDS is adjusting its capital allocation strategy to support fiber expansion.
UScellular and TDS have agreed to sell UScellular's wireless operations and select spectrum assets to T-Mobile for $4.4 billion, consisting of cash and assumed debt. The transaction includes 30% of spectrum assets and a new Master License Agreement (MLA) for over 2,000 towers. UScellular retains its 4,400 towers and 70% of its spectrum assets. The deal aims to enhance service for UScellular customers with T-Mobile's resources, including better prices and network improvements. The transaction, approved by both companies' boards, is expected to close by mid-2025, pending regulatory approvals.
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS) and United States Cellular (USM) will be webcasting their Annual Meetings of Shareholders in May 2024. UScellular's meeting is on May 21 at 8:30 a.m. Central time, and TDS' meeting is on May 22 at 9:00 a.m. Central time. Investors can access the webcasts on the Events & Presentations pages of investors.tdsinc.com or investors.uscellular.com. Registration is recommended at least 15 minutes before each meeting.
UScellular reported total operating revenues of $950 million for the first quarter of 2024, with service revenues at $754 million. Net income and diluted earnings per share increased to $18 million and $0.20, respectively. Postpaid ARPU grew 3%, while the postpaid churn rate reduced by 4%. Fixed wireless customers grew by 42% to 124,000. The company reaffirmed its 2024 guidance with unchanged estimates for service revenues, Adjusted OIBDA, Adjusted EBITDA, and capital expenditures. UScellular continues to explore strategic alternatives. The company's financial results showed positive improvements in key areas and ongoing growth.
Telecom giants TDS and UScellular will be announcing their first quarter operating results and hosting a conference call on May 3, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. Central Time. Investors can access the webcast live and on-demand to review the financial outcomes.
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