Microsoft Tries to Steal Verizon Deal From Google

Microsoft, capitalizing on Google's regulatory snarl, is working to steal a deal with Verizon Wireless away from its rival. Microsoft has gotten the mobile carrier's attention by offering a sweeter deal to put its search service and related advertising on Verizon phones. Microsoft is also offering more generous revenue sharing and a guarantee of substantially higher payments to Verizon. Google has been in discussions for months with Verizon to make its search engine the default on most Verizon phones. Microsoft's move -- following its failure to acquire Yahoo Inc. for $45 billion earlier this year -- shows how it is trying to put together a new arsenal against Google. It is taking the step just as Google's search-ad partnership with Yahoo fell apart Wednesday amid opposition from the Department of Justice.