Summary
T-Mobile US, Inc. has entered into a material definitive agreement to acquire valuable 600 MHz spectrum licenses from Comcast. This strategic move involves T-Mobile License LLC acquiring these licenses for a cash consideration ranging from $1.2 billion to $3.3 billion. The acquisition, which is subject to customary closing conditions including antitrust and FCC approvals, is anticipated to close in the first half of 2028. This transaction aims to bolster T-Mobile's spectrum holdings, which are crucial for expanding network capacity and enhancing 5G services for its customers. The final purchase price will be contingent on the specific set of licenses included at the time of FCC transfer filings, expected in the first half of 2027. Notably, Comcast retains the right to remove certain 'Optional Sale Licenses' from the agreement, which would reduce the total purchase price. These optional licenses cover significant population areas, including major markets like Chicago and Boston. The acquired licenses will be leased to T-Mobile exclusively, with lease terminations tied to any removal of optional licenses.
Key Highlights
- 1T-Mobile enters a material definitive agreement to purchase 600 MHz spectrum licenses from Comcast.
- 2The total cash consideration for the licenses is estimated to be between $1.2 billion and $3.3 billion.
- 3Acquisition is subject to standard conditions, including HSR Act waiting period expiration and FCC approval.
- 4Closing is expected in the first half of 2028, with FCC transfer filings targeted for the first half of 2027.
- 5Comcast has the right to remove a portion of the licenses ('Optional Sale Licenses'), impacting the final price.
- 6Certain licenses covering approximately 39 million pops are not subject to removal, including New York City.
- 7Optional Sale Licenses cover approximately 110 million pops, including major markets like Chicago and Boston.