​United States Cellular Corp has confirmed that it will lay off approximately 4,100 employees across 199 retail stores as part of its $4.4 billion deal to sell its wireless operations to T-Mobile US Inc.

The job cuts, which will begin on June 2, 2025, are expected to affect corporate-owned locations in at least 15 states, including Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, North Carolina, Oregon, and Wisconsin, as well as remote workers across the country. In addition to retail sites, corporate offices, engineering hubs, and customer care centers are also impacted.

Despite the potential closures, UScellular says it has made arrangements with T-Mobile to offer employment to the majority of the affected workers. These employees will receive compensation and benefits “no less favorable” than what they currently earn, the company stated in its official WARN notice.

Key Details of the Transition:

• Total layoffs: ~4,100 employees
• Retail store : 199 locations
• States affected: CA, IL, IA, MD, ME, MO, NC, NE, NH, OR, OK, TN, TX, VA, WI and WV.
• Effective date: Beginning June 2, 2025

The workforce reduction and store closures are part of a broader divestment strategy. As part of the deal, UScellular will sell off its wireless customer base and approximately 30% of its spectrum licenses. T-Mobile will also lease more than 2,100 of UScellular’s towers and continue leasing an additional 600 towers already in use.

While some lawmakers have raised concerns about competition and rural service disruptions, UScellular insists that the transition will maintain service levels and protect most jobs through its agreement with T-Mobile.

The WARN letter notes that the final details may still evolve due to external factors, but the current plan reflects the most accurate projections available.