Google and Sprint Nextel have reportedly announced they will develop a new mobile Internet portal that uses WiMax wireless technology to offer Web search and social networking.

As per the agreement, customers of Sprint's wireless broadband network will get Google services such as email, chat, social networking, calendaring, and so on -- beginning early next year.

Sprint will provide open standard APIs (application programming interfaces) to developers to enable Google Web services run on a wide range of WiMAX-enabled devices including NBs and phones.

While the agreement spells cooperation, analysts do not rule out the possibility of future competition between the two companies.

For instance, earlier this month, Sprint announced plans to connect its WiMAX high-speed services with those of Clearwire Corp. For Google too, as analysts point out, it's but natural for the company to increase its presence in the wireless sector by working with as many operators as possible.

It is expected for the WiMAX service to be tested in Chicago, Washington, and Baltimore by the end of this year.

WiMAX is considered slower than wired broadband but reportedly offers Web access speeds that are nearly 5 times faster than typical wireless networks.