Microsoft aims to poach Verizon Wireless from Google

Microsoft is reportedly wooing Verizon Wireless in an effort to derail the wireless carrier's search deal with Google.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Microsoft has been offering Verizon Wireless a better revenue share and higher payments. Meanwhile, Google is trying to be the default search provider on Verizon phones.

Also see: Google-Yahoo deal: Washington doesn’t understand us

With Web search market share dominated by Google mobile is one of the few areas where weaker players such as Yahoo and Microsoft can compete. In addition, carriers will gladly benefit from a bidding war between Microsoft and Google.

Microsoft is obviously trying to strike while Google is lying low after pulling its search pact with Yahoo. Microsoft hasn't been shy about paying for market share and now it's taking that strategy to the mobile market.