Knoxville, Tenn. — Over 200 employees in East Tennessee are set to lose their jobs as U.S. Cellular prepares for the closure of several locations in the region. The layoffs come as part of a deal with T-Mobile to sell U.S. Cellular’s wireless operations and certain spectrum assets.
A WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) Notice filed by United States Cellular Corporation with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development revealed that the permanent closures would take effect by June 2, 2025, or within 14 days thereafter. A total of 286 workers across various locations in East Tennessee are expected to be affected.
The impacted stores include locations in Knoxville, Alcoa, Sevierville, and Madisonville. The specific addresses are as follows:
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717 Louisville Road, Ste. 102, Alcoa, TN 37701
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2736 Schaad Road, Knoxville, TN 37921
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4873 North Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37918
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7412 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919
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11661 Parkside Drive, Farragut, TN 37934
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111 Kefauver Lane, Ste. 2, Madisonville, TN 37354
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562 Winfield Dunn Pkwy, Sevierville, TN 37876
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800 Cornerstone Drive, Knoxville, TN 37932
The closures are part of a broader transaction between U.S. Cellular and T-Mobile, which was first announced in May 2024. Under the terms of the deal, T-Mobile is set to acquire U.S. Cellular’s wireless operations and certain spectrum assets. The transaction is expected to be finalized in mid-2025.
In a statement provided to 6 News, U.S. Cellular assured affected employees that T-Mobile would offer employment to a majority of the impacted workers. However, those who do not receive job offers from T-Mobile will be provided with severance packages and additional support to help them transition to new employment opportunities.
“As part of the transaction agreement, T-Mobile will offer employment opportunities to at least a majority of UScellular associates. For associates who are not offered opportunities at T-Mobile, we are committed to working with them to ensure a smooth transition, including caring for them with severance packages and support in preparing for new employment,” the statement read.
The WARN Notice also clarified that the affected employees are not represented by a collective bargaining agreement. In response to the layoffs, the East Local Workforce Development Area’s rapid response team has been notified and will coordinate services to assist the affected workers.
The move marks a significant shift in the region’s wireless service landscape as U.S. Cellular prepares to exit the market, transferring its operations to T-Mobile. It remains to be seen how the transition will impact local customers and the broader telecommunications industry in East Tennessee.
