The ultimate guide to business mobile plans and tariffs
Introduction
In today’s fast-paced world, staying connected on the move is crucial for every organisation. But with so many mobile plans and tariffs out there, finding the right one for your organisation can be daunting.
Whether you’re a small start-up or a large public sector organisation, having the right mobile plan can help you keep your team connected, boost productivity and manage costs effectively.
- What business mobile plans and tariffs are
- The key differences between business and personal mobile plans
- The benefits of business mobile plans for organisations of all sizes
- How to compare and choose the right mobile plan provider for your organisation
- What to watch out for when selecting a provider
- Why Virgin Media O₂ Business could be the right choice for your organisation
Introduction
In today’s fast-paced world, staying connected on the move is crucial for every organisation. But with so many mobile plans and tariffs out there, finding the right one for your organisation can be daunting.
Whether you’re a small start-up or a large public sector organisation, having the right mobile plan can help you keep your team connected, boost productivity and manage costs effectively.
- What business mobile plans and tariffs are
- The key differences between business and personal mobile plans
- The benefits of business mobile plans for organisations of all sizes
- How to compare and choose the right mobile plan provider for your organisation
- What to watch out for when selecting a provider
- Why Virgin Media O₂ Business could be the right choice for your organisation
What are business mobile plans and tariffs?
Business mobile plans and tariffs are tailored packages designed to meet the unique needs of organisations. They go beyond personal mobile plans by offering features that help manage communication more efficiently, provide flexibility and often include options for multiple users under one contract.
Key components
Minutes, texts
and data
Like personal plans, business mobile plans offer varying amounts of call minutes, text messages and data. However, business plans often come with higher allowances to accommodate your organisation’s needs.
Shared
plans
These allow multiple employees to share a pool of minutes, texts and data, ensuring no resources are wasted.
International
roaming
Business plans often include or offer better rates for international calls and roaming, which is crucial for organisations with global operations.
Customer
support
Business plans typically provide enhanced support, often with dedicated account managers and faster response times.
What are the different types?
SIM only plans
These are ideal if your organisation already has devices and just needs a network service. They tend to be more cost-effective and minutes.
Device plans
These plans include a mobile device with the tariff. They’re perfect if your organisation needs to equip employees with the latest smartphones.
Data only plans
Best suited for tablets, dongles or mobile broadband devices, these plans focus on providing data without minutes or texts.
Pay as you go (PAYG) plans
Though less common for businesses, PAYG plans are suitable for organisations with irregular mobile usage.
Custom plans
Tailored to specific needs, these plans can be highly flexible, allowing organisations to choose the exact mix of minutes, texts, data and devices.
What’s the difference between business and personal mobile plans?
At first glance, business and personal mobile plans might look similar, but they don’t always serve the same needs. Here’s how they differ:
Flexibility
Business plans offer more flexibility with options for adding or removing users, upgrading devices or adjusting data allowances mid-contract.
Shared resources
Personal plans are generally designed for single users, whereas business plans often allow for shared resources across multiple employees.
Priority support
Business customers usually receive priority support, often with dedicated account management and quicker resolution times.
Billing and reporting
Business plans come with advanced billing options, including detailed reports, centralised billing and the ability to split costs between different departments or projects.
Security features
Organisations often require additional security measures, such as mobile device management (MDM) and the ability to remotely wipe or lock devices. Business plans are more likely to include or support these features.
Roaming and international services
Business plans typically offer better international roaming options and global calling packages, crucial for organisations with international connections.
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Cost control
Business mobile plans offer better rates for high usage, shared resources and international services, helping small and medium businesses manage costs effectively.
Scalability
As your organisation grows, business mobile plans can easily scale to accommodate more users or increased data needs.
Professionalism
Providing employees with business phones can help maintain a professional image and ensure that work communications are handled appropriately.
Flexibility
With options like SIM only plans, small businesses can keep costs low while providing essential services to employees.
Centralised management
With business mobile plans, large organisations can manage multiple users, devices and contracts through a centralised platform, simplifying administration.
Enhanced
security
Large organisations often need advanced security features like MDM, encrypted communication and secure access to company resources, which are more readily available in business plans.
Dedicated
support
Large organisations benefit from dedicated account managers who understand their unique needs and provide tailored support.
Global
reach
For organisations with an international presence, business plans offer competitive rates for international calls and data, as well as options for roaming across multiple countries.
How long do business mobile plans and tariffs last?
The duration of business mobile plans can vary, typically ranging from 12 to 36 months. Here’s what you need to consider:
12-month plans
These offer flexibility and are ideal for organisations that might need to adjust their mobile strategy in the short term. They often come with higher monthly costs, but provide the benefit of frequent upgrades or changes.
24-month plans
The most common option, balancing cost and flexibility. These plans often provide better rates and are suitable for most organisations.
36-month plans
Ideal for organisations with long-term stability and a clear mobile strategy. These plans usually offer the lowest monthly rates but require a longer commitment.
When choosing the duration of your plan, consider the pace of change within your organisation, the likelihood of scaling up or down and how often you may want to upgrade devices.
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What to consider when choosing a business mobile plan provider
Choosing the right provider is crucial for getting the most out of your business mobile plan. Here’s what to consider:
Network coverage
Ensure the provider has strong coverage in the areas where your organisation operates, including any international locations..
Data speeds
Fast and reliable data is essential for many organisations. Check the provider’s 4G or 5G network speeds in your key locations.
Contract flexibility
Look for providers that offer flexible contracts, allowing you to adjust your plan as your organisation’s needs change.
Additional services
Consider what additional services are available, such as cloud storage, collaboration tools or security features.
Customer service reputation
Research the provider’s reputation for customer service, especially how they handle issues and support business customers.
Value for money
Don’t just look at the cheapest option. Consider the overall value, including the quality of service, support and additional features.
What to watch out for in business mobile plan providers
While many providers offer competitive packages, there are a few things to watch out for:
Hidden costs
Be wary of hidden fees such as setup charges, early termination fees or extra costs for exceeding your allowances.
Complex terms and conditions
Ensure you fully understand the terms and conditions of the contract, especially around contract length, automatic renewals and what happens if your organisation changes size.
Lock-in periods
Some providers may offer attractive rates but lock you into long contracts with limited flexibility. Make sure you’re comfortable with the commitment.
Coverage limitations
Check the provider’s coverage map carefully, especially if your organisation operates in rural or remote areas.
How to switch your business mobile plan provider
Switching providers can be a smooth process if managed carefully.
Here’s how to do it:
Check when your current contract ends and any notice period required to avoid early termination fees.
If you want to keep your existing numbers, you’ll need a Porting Authorisation Code (PAC) from your current provider. They must provide this within one working day.
Use the steps outlined in the comparison section above to find a new plan that meets your needs.
Once you’ve chosen a plan, contact the new provider to arrange the switch. They’ll guide you through the process, including transferring your existing numbers.
Ensure all employees are aware of the switch date and any actions they need to take, such as backing up data or setting up new devices.
Once the switch is complete, test your new service to ensure everything is working as expected.
In a nutshell
Choosing the right business mobile plan and tariff can seem complex, but with the right information and approach, you can find a plan that meets your organisation’s needs, keeps your team connected and controls costs effectively.
Whether you’re looking for flexibility, scalability or robust support, there’s a business mobile plan out there for you.
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Why choose Virgin Media O2 Business?
We offer a range of business mobile plans that are designed to be flexible, cost-effective and tailored to the needs of organisations of all sizes.
With extensive network coverage, competitive rates and a commitment to providing excellent customer service, we’re well-positioned to help your organisation stay connected and productive.
We think you should expect more, so we go above and beyond the standard service level agreements (SLAs) by making a unique commitment to your success. Our Success Agreement is built on partnership and flexibility.
Ready to explore how Virgin Media O₂ Business
can benefit your organisation?
Small & medium business
(11 - 249 employees)
Call 0800 298 8848
