There's a growing trend in the cell phone industry to lock and load devices with Internet search engines, instead of the once common use of manufacturer-specific portals like Nokia and Motorola. However instead of the popular search engine giant Google, or even the runner up Yahoo, Verizon Wireless has adopted Microsoft Search for their devices. The agreement follows more than a year of speculation. Verizon is to suprpass AT&T as the largest U.S. mobile carrier, once their purchase of Alltel closes later this week. 'It's certainly a feather in Microsoft's cap. Tough news for Google and tougher news for Yahoo,' CCS Insight analyst John Jackson said of the agreement. Individually Google and Yahoo are stronger than Microsoft. 'Microsoft really needed to win that,' Nielsen's head of telecom research Roger Entner said about the Verizon deal. Internet shares of Google continue to skyrocket, with Microsoft eagerly trying to compete by attempting to buy Yahoo last year. Attempts to gobble Yahoo up were temporarily disentegrated when no price could be agreed on. It's speculated that Verizon using Microsoft search is unlikely to change how many customers use their phones to surf the Web. John Jackson, CCS Insight analyst further says, '...Google may have been a better choice to help Verizon offer personalized Web services, such as delivernig ads that are relevant to users' interests.'