Google makes mobile deal with Sprint
Google Inc. plans to offer Internet search services through a Web portal that Sprint Nextel Corp. is developing for its WiMax high-speed wireless service, the companies said Thursday.
The agreement is Google’s closest alliance with a major U.S. mobile service provider. It is expected to boost Web access over Sprint’s new network and improve use of Google’s search and communications services on mobile devices.
Although Google, the world’s leading Web search company, has agreements with overseas mobile providers, analysts say it lags behind Yahoo Inc. in the U.S. mobile Web market.
“This seems to be a bigger deal than what [Google has] done in the past, more comprehensive,” said Pacific Crest analyst Steve Weinstein, who expects wireless services to be a “very material driver” for Google by late 2008 and early 2009.
Google has said wireless is key to its growth and its strategy of selling Internet advertising.
The Mountain View, Calif., company is in the midst of a lobbying battle over rules governing an upcoming U.S. government auction of airwaves.
The company has said it will take part in the auction and meet the minimum required bid of $4.6 billion if regulators add sale conditions that Google says would promote an open wireless market.
Sprint’s chief technology officer, Barry West, said the deal, which would make Google Sprint’s exclusive search provider for WiMax service, should help raise Sprint’s image as a provider of wireless Web services.
“If you think of the Internet you automatically think of Google,” West said. “Obviously having a powerful partner on the Internet helps us become synonymous with the mobile Internet.”
Sprint said it would combine technology for detecting user location with Google tools, including e-mail and chat, on devices running on a high-speed network Sprint was building based on WiMax technology.
WiMax offers Web access speeds five times faster than typical wireless networks but still slower than wired broadband.
For example, users could use Google to search for a pizzeria without having to enter a ZIP Code, or have the phone automatically broadcast their whereabouts to friends when they are setting up a meeting using Google’s instant chat service or e-mail on their phones.
West said Sprint would not charge users for Google services, which would be supported by search-related advertising. Google and Sprint will share advertising revenue.
