Verizon Wireless Considering Alltel Purchase?

Wow. According to CNBC, Verizon Wireless is considering purchasing Alltel, according to unnamed sources. So the second-largest wireless carrier may buy the fifth-largest to create the first-largest?

CNBC takes an intelligent look at the potential deal with a degree of insight, which suggests this is more than a crazy rumor. While this may be a good deal for Alltel owners TPG and Goldman Sachs Capital Partners, as mocoNews points out, this is less good for other parts of the wireless ecosystem, who would have one less carrier prospect to pitch.

One other thought - might Verizon Wireless be considering purchasing Alltel, so it can bring down Alltel's mean-hearted TV ads where Verizon and the other carriers look like dweebs? Something to consider...