Google, China Mobile ink search deal

Google announced an agreement with China Mobile, the Asian nation's largest wireless operator, to provide mobile search services. Google will deliver the search service via China Mobile's Monternet WAP portal--the service, in beta testing since last month, should go live early this year. "This is an important move for China Mobile's transformation into a mobile information expert," said carrier chairman Wang Jianzhou in a prepared statement. "China Mobile will unite the industry chain, rapidly enhancing the whole industry's value. Our cooperation will not only satisfy our users' diverse communication needs but also build a new mobile world for Chinese users to communicate freely and live comfortably."

Google declined to comment on specifics of the agreement, nor would it expand on reports that it plans to explore additional ventures with China Mobile.

For more on the Google/China Mobile deal:
- read this release

Related articles:
- Google, Chungwa Telecom cut mobile search deal
- Bharti Airtel introduces Google mobile search