AFP - Microsoft Corp. is close to a deal with Verizon Wireless to become the default search provider on the wireless carrier's cellphones, The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday.

Reuters - Microsoft Corp is moving closer to an agreement with Verizon Wireless to become the default search provider on the wireless carrier's cell phones, the Wall Street Journal said, citing people familiar with the discussions.

AFP - British mobile phone giant Vodafone posted a 35-percent slump in first-half net profit on Tuesday and booked a hefty loss on the value of its Turkish business.

AP - Vodafone Group PLC, the world's biggest mobile phone company by sales, said Tuesday its net profit fell 35 percent during the first half of the financial year. But shares rallied as the company announced 1 billion pounds ($1.56 billion) in cost cuts and stuck to its full-year profit forecast despite the global economic downturn.

Reuters - Cisco Systems Inc launched a new edge router aimed at improving Web speeds as more consumers download movies online and access the Internet with mobile phones.

Reuters - Mobile phone group Vodafone cut its full-year revenue outlook for the second time in four months on Tuesday but said it would maintain profits and boost free cash flow by cutting 1 billion pounds ($1.6 billion) of costs.