Verizon chooses Microsoft for default search service

Verizon Communications Inc. has chosen Microsoft Corp. to be its default Internet search service provider for its Verizon Wireless Web-enabled mobile devices. Verizon and AT&T are in a neck-and-neck battle to be the number one mobile carrier in the country, so this decision may be seen as a disappointment to the top two giants in search, Google and Yahoo.

It was reported last year that Verizon was in talks with Google to provide mobile search services.

However, Microsoft is keeping mum for the time being. A Microsoft spokesperson told DMNews, “We can confirm the Microsoft, Verizon Wireless mobile search and advertising relationship, but have no further details to disclose at this time. Please stay tuned for more information.”

On Friday, Verizon's $5.9 billion buyout of Alltel Wireless is expected to become final, making the company the number one mobile provider.