In the company’s closest alliance with a major U.S. mobile service provider yet, Google Inc has agreed to providing its Internet search services on Sprint Nextel Corp’s web portal for its WiMax high-speed wireless service.

As Reuters reports:

Sprint said it would combine technology for detecting user location with Google tools including e-mail and chat on devices running on a high-speed network Sprint is building based on WiMax technology…

For example, users could use Google to search for a pizzeria without having to enter a ZIP code or have the phone automatically broadcast their whereabouts to friends when they are setting up a meeting using Google Talk instant chat service or e-mail on their phones.

The arrangement bodes well for Sprint, which hopes to see a surge in Web access over its new network, as well as the development of location-based services using Google’s technology. Google’s mobile search and information services is also expected to see an improvement, something mobile web surfers have been anxiously awaiting.

Reuters: Sprint Google in pact for WiMax mobile Web