We first reported back in August that a default search deal between Google and Verizon Wireless was practically signed, sealed and delivered. However, fast forward just over a month and the deal seems to have changed dramatically.

Enter, Microsoft Internet Explorer who Reuters reports is the browser that Verizon is closer to choosing, effectively pushing out Google’s Firefox.

According to the Reuters article:

Under the terms being considered, Microsoft would share with Verizon revenue from ads shown in response to cell phone Web searches, with guaranteed payments to the carrier of about $550 million to $650 million over five years, roughly twice what Google Inc offered, the people told the paper.

In addition, Verizon may also agree to use Microsoft’s mobile operating system, Windows Mobile, in more of its phones, generating additional payments.

It would appear that on this rare occasion Microsoft has been able to conquer the all mighty Google.