T-Mobile US to cut 5,000 jobs as cheaper plans weigh on costs

T-Mobile US said on Thursday it would reduce its workforce by about 7% by cutting 5,000 jobs in the United States as the wireless carrier grapples with rising costs related to adding more subscribers in a competitive market.

The carrier has been taking the lion’s share of subscribers looking for cheaper plans in the last three quarters through discounted bundles, but that has taken a toll on T-Mobile.

“What it takes to attract and retain customers is materially more expensive than it was just a few quarters ago,” CEO Mike Sievert said in an email to employees.

The jobs cuts over the next five weeks will target corporate and back-office roles, and some technology jobs, Sievert said, adding that retail and consumer care divisions will not be impacted.