T-Mobile Now Owns Ryan Reynolds-Backed Mint Mobile

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has approved the T-Mobile U.S. deal to buy Ka’ena Corp, the owner of budget service providers Mint Mobile, Ultra Mobile, and Plum, for up to $1.35 billion.

The FCC cited T-Mobile’s voluntary commitment to enforce a 60-day unlocking period for all Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile devices activated on the T-Mobile network, according to Reuters. The FCC said this will make switching service providers easier for Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile customers.

T-Mobile’s press release announcing the deal states that the “Un-carrier is letting Mint and Ultra customers know it’s great to have them here by giving them magenta goodness right out of the gate — a few freebies and new offers just for being a part of Team T-Mobile.”

Telling everyone that Ryan Reynolds is my co-worker now. Welcome to the fam @Mintmobile pic.twitter.com/t7MMGUKzo2

— T-Mobile (@TMobile) May 1, 2024

This deal, which was originally announced in March 2023 but needed regulatory approval, locks in Mint and Ultra’s connectivity to T-Mobile’s industry-leading 5G network for the long term. It enables them to tap into the Un-carrier’s relationships to deliver their products and simplified experiences to even more prepaid customers across the U.S.

“This combination is a win-win all around – a perfect pairing of highly complementary brands coming together on our industry-best 5G network to continue shaking things up for the benefit of customers,” said Mike Katz, president of marketing, strategy, and products at T-Mobile.

Katz claimed the company is “excited to maintain the unique style and entrepreneurial spirit that make Mint and Ultra truly special.” He hopes to continue supercharging their growth and leveraging some of the secrets of that success into other areas of the business.

Since 2019, actor Ryan Reynolds has owned Mint Mobile. He stated he is “so proud” of the Mint Mobile team. “Even Gary from Finance who’s been a real stickler over the years.”

He explained that Mint Mobile has rapidly grown the brand by putting customers and value first while being unafraid to act quickly and take chances. Reynolds concluded that the partnership with T-Mobile will help them to supercharge Mint as it continues to evolve.