US operator AT&T is reported to be among the bidders for around US$3 billion in mobile assets that rival Verizon Wireless must divest as part of its US$28.1 billion acquisition of regional operator Alltel that was completed last month. The Wall Street Journal claims that other bidders include a joint bid from private-equity firms Carlyle Group and Kohlberg Kravis & Roberts & Co and a separate bid from Providence Equity Partners LLC. The report adds that at least one US cable provider has also expressed interest.

Critics, including consumer advocates and Verizon’s smaller competitors, may argue that a successful bid from Verizon rival AT&T would not be in the interests of consumers. Verizon Wireless’ acquisition of Alltel created the biggest US mobile operator, surpassing AT&T in terms of subscribers. AT&T is no stranger to acquisition activity itself; last November it announced it is to buy rival Centennial Communications for US$944 million in cash.