WebProNews

Users of Verizon's broadband service should prepare themselves to see a lot of Yahoo logos all day, every day.  The corporations have extended a strategic alliance and will make a Verizon-Yahoo portal the "preferred starting point" for all customers.

"Yahoo! Search, . . . co-branded e-mail, Instant Messenger and Toolbar applications" will all on be on display, according to a statement.  Other special features include a "Customizable Personal Assistant" (for stuff like email, horoscopes, and weather) and "Top Picks from Your Page" (a news-centric module).

 

The official release notes, "Yahoo! also will provide search and display advertising on the co-branded portal and e-mail application, and both companies will share the search, advertising and e-commerce revenues generated by users of the co-branded portal."

Assuming some users stick with this setup (they'll be allowed to alter things), Yahoo stands to receive a lot of exposure and at least some money.  Verizon's no doubt counting on seeing some cash, too, over the course of the multiyear agreement.

Meanwhile, this alliance shouldn't directly affect the ongoing negotiations between Verizon and Google regarding a mobile search deal.  It might serve as a foot in the door, though, which Yahoo wouldn't mind.