BELLEVUE, Wash. – T-Mobile US, Inc. announced Monday that it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire the Sprint-branded wireless operating assets of Brookings Municipal Utilities. 

Under the former Sprint brand, BMU operates a network of cell sites and provides wireless and data services to approximately 14,000 customers in Sioux Falls, Watertown and Brookings in South Dakota and Sioux City, Iowa. 

The acquisition will further expand T-Mobile’s retail distribution and enhance network coverage in the area. The deal includes BMU’s wireless network, retail stores, and PCS spectrum, according to a press release from T-Mobile.

“T-Mobile is thrilled that we will soon be able to deliver all the benefits of our Supercharged Un-Carrier and America’s largest 5G network to our newest wireless customers in southeastern South Dakota and western Iowa,” said Mike Sievert, president and chief executive officer at T-Mobile. “Once fully integrated, we will expand our retail footprint in the area and bring T-Mobile’s award-winning approach to service to these customers.”

Following the transaction, T-Mobile expects to fully integrate the acquired assets into T-Mobile’s network and retail distribution in the region. 

The transaction is subject to certain customary closing conditions, and the closing is expected to occur in Q1 2021.

“Brookings Municipal Utilities and Sprint have partnered for over 20 years with the goal of providing the best in service and value to our mobile wireless customers,” says a press release from BMU. 

“As a result of the 2020 merger of Sprint and T-Mobile, BMU has reached an agreement with T-Mobile for the sale and transfer of its Sprint-branded customers along with wireless operating assets and radio spectrum to T-Mobile. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions. More details will be disclosed upon consummation of the transaction,” the BMU press release says.

“T-Mobile will be combining its outstanding products with the legacy Sprint products, which will serve Brookings and other communities in the region with customer service unmatched by the other carriers,” the BMU press release continues.

“As this change occurs, BMU would like to express its sincere appreciation to the customers who have purchased the Sprint-branded mobile wireless products and services from BMU over the past 20 years. BMU is also extremely grateful to our employees who have provided the best in customer services to our wireless subscribers.

“After the transaction is consummated, T-Mobile will be temporarily operating in the Swiftel store location at 415 Fourth St. until a more permanent T-Mobile location is established in Brookings. Currently, due to COVID-19 health risks, customer access to our store lobby is not available. However, T-Mobile and Swiftel customer service will be available through telephone and online options – we will be happy to assist you.

“The BMU Board is focused on continuing to serve and benefit BMU customers and the City of Brookings, along with fulfilling our BMU mission statement. You can be assured that BMU-owned Swiftel will continue to provide you with great products and services such as voice, internet, video, directory and system/cabling offerings,” the BMU press release says.