Verizon Wireless this week unveiled a redesign to its mobile Web services including new content and search functionality.

Dubbed Mobile Web 2.0, the service retains existing capabilities such as e-mail access, news, sports and weather from content providers including ESPN, Bank of America, USA Today and Mapquest.

Among the new features are new Local, Connect, Tools, Commute and Money content channels; keyword and local searching; improved delivery of mobile-ready graphics and images; and easier-to-use navigation and content handling capabilities, the company said.

Users with qualifying handsets can add Verizon Mobile Web 2.0 on their own, without having to call a service rep or visit a store to sign up for the service. Verizon Mobile Web 2.0 costs $5.00 per month, plus airtime charges. It is also available as part of the V CAST VPak, which costs $15 per month (with no airtime charges).