Google partners with Clearwire

Clearwire (NASDAQ: CLWR), the small but ambitious wireless broadband internet provider, is teaming up with Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) to distribute the internet search leader's web-based applications with its internet service.

Clearwire at one time was a takeover target rumor in the market. And who was the rumored acquirer? Google, of course. It's no secret that Google has grand ambitions in the wireless internet space, although reality is far from its ambitions at the moment, with its limited network in Mountain View, California, where it is headquartered.

Google is also expected to bid heavily in the upcoming FCC auctions later this month in what could be seen as an effort to construct a nationwide wireless data network for whatever purpose suits it. For right now, though, it may be content getting its Gmail and Google Calendar in front of more customers with the Clearwire distribution partnership.

Clearwire indicated that both companies share the same mission by saying, "Both companies are built on the foundation of providing a simple to use, rich and open Internet experience, and we believe the addition of these communications tools will be a tremendous benefit to Clearwire's customers."