Report: Verizon, Google tablet plans show strengthening ties

Google and Verizon Wireless are reportedly teaming up on a tablet computer that will take on Apple’s iPad, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The move follows a partnership between the two companies announced last year on building Android-software devices for the nation’s biggest wireless service operator. Verizon teamed up with Google and Motorola to promote the Droid phone last year. And it is another sign of a deepening relationship between the two companies that have showcased to federal regulators an attempt to find middle ground in policies issues such as net neutrality that had previously put a wedge between them.

According a story in Wednesday’s Journal by Niraj Sheth, Verizon Wireless CEO Lowell McAdam said:

"What do we think the next big wave of opportunities are?" Mr. McAdam said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. "We're working on tablets together, for example. We're looking at all the things Google has in its archives that we could put on a tablet to make it a great experience."

Verizon’s rival, AT&T, has a head start in tablet computing. It will be the carrier to provide wireless data access for users of Apple’s iPad. Apple said it has already sold 1 million iPads since the machine was launched in early April.