According to a report by Reuters, the Verizon Wireless assets which Verizon is required to dispose of due to the acquisition of Alltel, in the region of $3 billion and covering in excess of twenty states and 2.1 million customers, is attracting interest from at least 3 private equity companies.

Apparently, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co and Carlyle Group made a joint offer for the Verizon assets, and private equity firm Blackstone Group LP entered a bid before last week’s deadline.

Furthermore, U.S. Cellular Corp has entered a bid, and AT&T is showing interest as well, although their interest has sparked some controversy with consumer advocacy groups who feel that transferring Verizon assets to AT&T wouldn’t be in the best interest of the consumer.