REPORT: MICROSOFT NEARING MOBILE SEARCH DEAL WITH VERIZON WIRELESS

The Wall Street Journal reported citing sources that Microsoft is closing in on finalizing a mobile search deal with Verizon Wireless whereby Microsoft will become the default search provider on Verizon devices. The deal is said to be worth US$ 550 million to US$ 650 million over five years. Reportedly, this figure is nearly double of what rival Google has offered for the same deal. Microsoft is apparently also negotiating a deal with Verizon to distribute Windows Mobile software via more of the carrier’s devices. Combined worth of the two deals could be to the tune of US$ 1 billion. -Smarajit Dasgupta