Potential buyers seen unlikely to step up for Alltel.

"In theory, Alltel would be a good fit for Verizon since they both run CDMA networks and Verizon could fill coverage gaps in 'rural areas that Alltel specializes in.' However Alltel could be too costly. Entner estimated Alltel's 'wireless assets to be worth roughly $16 billion, and could be sold at a premium as high as $20 billion.'"