Ex-Google exec said tech giant pushed for default status in search engine deals at antitrust trial

A former Google honcho testified Wednesday that the number of executives working to win default status with mobile carriers grew dramatically when he was with the company as the government’s landmark antitrust case against the search giant kicked into high gear. Chris Barton, who worked on the company’s partnerships with major mobile carriers such as Verizon and AT&T from 2004 to 2011, said that Google quickly saw the massive value of mobile users relying on its search engine on early smartphones. Barton testified the new hires negotiated agreements that would...