Report: Bellevue-Based T-Mobile USA Lays Off Hundreds

Following weeks of speculation, Bellevue-based T-Mobile USA has cut hundreds of jobs within its operations group, The Seattle Times reported today.

The Times' Brier Dudley had previously cited anonymous sources who claimed the layoffs were imminent. Today, he apparently received confirmation in the form of a prepared statement, which said the cuts "are part of (the company's) new business strategy designed to address consumer frustration with the unnecessary cost and complexity of wireless."

Dudley also spoke with two people were let go from T-Mobile today. 

“They definitely are whittling down to the leanest organization they can survive with,” said Michele Clark, who had been with T-Mobile for seven years and worked as an executive assistant in the operations group.

The layoffs come just two days after the wireless company unveiled new contract-free coverage plans and announced it would soon begin offering the iPhone 5 to customers.

Another former employee, who was not named, told Dudley she had worked over the weekend to prepare for the launch of T-Mobile's new plan. She apparently learned she was about to be laid off by receiving an electronic calendar invitation to meet with a supervisor.

“You have a half an hour to do whatever you need to do then give your badge and leave,” she said. “I’ve never dealt with anything so unprofessional.”

Click here to read the entire Seattle Times report.

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