Microsoft Wins Mobile Search Deal with Verizon

Verizon Wireless has signed a deal with Microsoft to provide portal, local and Internet search as well as mobile advertising services to customers on its devices. The five-year agreement will go into effect in the first half of 2009 when Microsoft Live Search is targeted to be available on new Verizon Wireless feature phones and smartphones.

Last August, it was widely reported that the network operator had been close to concluding a deal with Google for mobile search services.

Depending on which device they use, customers will be able to use voice commands and typed queries and even select to use location-aware searches to receive search results, including maps, directions, traffic information, information on local businesses, movie theatres and show times, gas prices and weather. In addition, customers will also get search results that include news and entertainment content such as downloadable full-track songs, videos and games.

Under the five-year agreement, Microsoft will manage search and display advertising on Verizon Wireless' Mobile Web service, creating a one-stop integrated way for advertisers and ad agencies to reach mobile consumers.

John Stratton, Verizon's chief marketing officer, said, "Wireless customers are increasingly using their phones to access the Web, browse and buy all forms of music, video, games, and to look for relevant local information. We're teaming with Microsoft to make the emerging wireless experience accessible and easy for customers. Microsoft's Live Search for mobile brings innovation, tremendous resources and expertise, all dedicated to meeting our strategic objective to deliver the best search, discovery and advertising experience. Wireless data - from business-to-business data to multimedia services - now represents more than 25 percent of our revenue. Getting wireless search and advertising done right is critical to continuing to make wireless content relevant to our customers and our business."

The companies declined to provide financial terms related to the agreement.

Verizon Wireless' internet portal currently has several different search options depending on which service is being used. The aim of the deal is to unify all the services behind a single search platform and boost traffic to its web services. Of the 36 million Verizon Wireless customers who access the internet using their mobile phones, just over 13 million use a search service, according to estimates from Nielsen Mobile.

Posted to the site on 8th January 2009