Google Extends Mobile Presence With Vodafone Deal

Google is to provide search capabilities to Vodafone mobile customers, following a tie-up between the two firms announced this week.

The deal follows a similar partnership between Google and mobile operator T-Mobile, which saw the search giant take pride of place on the mobile home page of the firm’s Web’n’Walk service, launched last year (see Britain Wakes Up To Mobile Web Services).

The latest deal will see Google’s search capability integrated into the Vodafone live! portal, allowing search capability covering web pages, images and local services. The Google Mobile technology also allows users to find web pages specially formatted for viewing via mobile phone screens.

The Vodafone deal is further evidence of Google’s intent on cracking the mobile market. The company recently signed a deal with handset manufacturer Motorola to integrate the Google logo into its devices, allowing users to find online content with a single click.

Google’s vice president, European operations, Nikesh Arora, explained the importance of the company’s growing mobile presence. “As people become more mobile, it’s increasingly important that we can provide them with access to information when on-the-go,” he said.

“Google understands that mobile phone users are looking for more than a desktop replacement – they want directly relevant content, quickly. Vodafone has long been a pioneer in providing mobile data services to its customers and we believe that by working together we will ensure a user friendly experience for mobile users.”

Google: 020 7031 3000 www.google.co.uk/ Vodafone: www.vodafone.co.uk