Vodafone has confirmed that it is discussing the potential sale of its 45 per cent stake in US operator Verizon Wireless to JV partner Verizon Communications. Verizon’s desire to assume full control of the largest mobile operator in the US is well known and the deal has been the subject of speculation for the better part of a decade.

In a terse statement issued Thursday, Vodafone said: “Vodafone notes the recent press speculation and confirms that it is in discussions with Verizon Communications Inc. regarding the possible disposal of Vodafone’s US group whose principal asset is its 45% interest in Verizon Wireless. There is no certainty that an agreement will be reached.”

The two firms are understood to have explored a number of options over recent years. Verizon Wireless had 117.4 million customers at the end of June 2013, according to Informa’s WCIS Plus.