Many are wanting to know what Alltel is going to buy.
I think the Western Wireless merger might make it be awhile for Alltel to do buyouts. Alltel will probably spend more money on upgrades (new towers upgrade network) and save for future deals.
What would help Alltel to become a national provider
Save money to buy airwaves in the next wireless auction in summer/fall 2006.
Get roaming agreements with Ramcell, Bluegrass Cellular, Thumb Cellular, ACS Wireless, Appellation Wireless.
Some providers they could buy
Cellcom Pioneer/Enid Cellular (maybe difficult, but can be done)
Metro PCS (highly unlikely) but it would give them coverage in metros where they have lots of roaming.
Cricket might be another choice.
US Cellular This won't happen in the near future but maybe 3 or 4 years from now.