Verizon Communications and Yahoo Inc. said Wednesday they will renew the distribution deal signed in 2005, whereby Verizon provided its internet subscribers with a Yahoo Web portal.

Within the scope of the new multiyear agreement, users who sign up for Internet service with Verizon, will be able to select a start page of a cobranded Verizon-Yahoo home screen, or portal, that features Yahoo''s search, email and instant-messaging products.

Users can also choose to use services from Microsoft Corp. or Time Warner Inc.'s AOL. But Yahoo will remain the first option on the list under the new agreement.

Meanwhile, Verizon is seeking a separate search deal with Google, which would make Google the default search provider on Verizon handsets.