Verizon, Google Close To Mobile Search Deal

Verizon, the 2nd largest wireless carrier in the US, is nearing an agreement with Google, the universes biggest search engine, on a wide-ranging partnership which would make Google the default search provider on Verizon devices and give it a share of ad revenue. The deal is aimed at dramatically simplifying what is now a confusing set of search options for cellphone users. Today, users have to go to different places to look up services such as ringtones, restaurants and Web pages. Verizon wants to create a new search platform that would be a one-stop shop. The deal isn't yet final and the two sides are still negotiating on key issues, such as Google's desire to save information from user cellphone searches. Carriers prize such information and are reluctant to turn it over.