Google and Sprint Sign Mobile WiMAX Search Pact

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6:55 am on July 28, 2007 | Category: Business, Web Services, Wireless Technology, Wireless, WiMAX

Google Inc. has taken another big step into the U.S. mobile internet market, agreeing to provide online search and other web services to compliment the nationwide Mobile WiMAX network planned by wireless giant, Sprint Nextel.

This is Google’s closest alliance yet with an American wireless carrier, and reflects the web giant’s willingness to quickly adapt to new technologies.

“This seems to be a bigger deal than what (Google’s) done in the past, more comprehensive,” commented Steve Weinstein, an Pacific Crest analyst who expects wireless services to become a “very material driver” for Google by early 2009.

Google’s online services will be integrated with a web portal that Sprint is developing for its WiMAX customers, and will be offered at no additional cost to users. Google will generate revenue by placing targeted advertisements alongside search results, and intends to share this revenue with Sprint, making the deal a clear winner for both parties.

“If you think of the Internet you automatically think of Google,” said Sprint’s Chief Technology Officer, Barry West. “Obviously having a powerful partner on the Internet helps us become synonymous with the mobile Internet.”