Gmail on the phone

Google is partnering with Sprint Nextel to help develop mobile services for Sprint's new WiMax network, reports InfoWorld.

Launching in early 2008, the wireless broadband network plans to offer services such as search, email, scheduling and social networking.

The deal is part of an effort by Sprint to provide open standard APIs to developers ensuring that internet services run smoothly on a range of WiMax-enabled devices, from laptops to phones.

However, this won't stop Google from competing with Sprint at some point down the road. Canalys.com analyst Andy Buss told InfoWorld that Google is looking to become an operator in its own right, or even a mobile virtual network.

Google could, for example, offer a consistent range of internet services across "highly fragmented Europe."