We're back after a short break last week - and just in time for three of the biggest industry news stories of the year.

Microsoft's CEO announces his retirement, then Vodafone sells its US operation for $130 billion... and now Nokia's mobile phone business is being bought. Alongside these reports there's also time to talk about 4G in the UK, children with mobiles, roaming charges and the future of smartphones.

Verizon Communications has agreed to buy Vodafone’s share of its US mobile phone business for $130 billion.

The deal will involve Verizon acquiring Vodafone’s US business - which owns 45% of Verizon Wireless - for $58.9 billion cash and most of the remainder in stock. As a result, Verizon will gain complete ownership of the wireless business that bears its name.

Mark Bridge writes:

So – we take a short break at the end of the August ‘silly season’ and one of the year’s biggest mobile-related rumours becomes fact. At least we’re back in time to report on the final stages of the Vodafone/Verizon deal. Yes, it looks as though Big Red will be picking up something like $130 billion for its 45% stake in Verizon Communications… possibly within the next few hours. Just don’t mention the tax, okay?

Vodafone has confirmed it’s considering the sale of its stake in US-based Verizon Wireless.

Verizon Communications currently owns 55% of the joint venture, with Vodafone owning 45%.

Mark Bridge writes:

August is traditionally known as the ‘silly season’… but last week’s mobile industry news was all very serious. Apple started with a move designed to reassure customers about unsafe iPhone chargers by arranging a discounted exchange scheme – and it ended the week with a patent victory in the USA.