Alltel Wireless, the nation’s fifth-largest mobile operator, has intensified its attempt to sell itself to one of the other major US carriers or simply to new owners. Alltel has recently solicited bids from AT&T, Verizon Wireless and others. Though AT&T has rebuffed Alltel’s offer, Verizon is reported to still be considering it. This potential union is more likely since both carriers use CDMA technology, and Verizon has not swallowed up any major operators like Sprint or AT&T have so regulatory hurdles are not as high. Were Verizon to acquire Alltel, it would become the nation’s largest wireless provider with 71 million subscribers, far more than Cingular’s current 61 million. Alltel is hoping to close a sale before April or May, though talks are still in the beginning stages.