Choosing Mobile Phones for Your Business
The best phone deal for your business is one you can rely on where you work. Start with coverage, the amount of data you use and whether you need new phones. Then compare the full cost of the contract.
Updated: 7 September 2026.
Check the signal where you use the phone
Think about your workplace, customers’ premises and regular journeys. Ofcom’s Map Your Mobile service can help you compare coverage.
Coverage maps are estimates. If a missed call would cause problems, try a SIM on the network before moving your main number or the whole team.
A phone contract or SIM-only?
A phone contract includes a handset and a service plan. It can spread the cost of new phones. Check the upfront payment, monthly bills and total cost over the contract.
SIM-only gives you calls, texts and data for a phone you already have or buy separately. It may offer a shorter commitment, but you will need to pay for repairs or replacement phones yourself.
Compare like for like over the same period, including any stated price increases.
Work out how much data you need
Look at recent bills or the data-use information on your phones. Video calls, large files and sharing a phone’s internet connection with a laptop can use a lot of data.
Some plans let a team share one allowance. Ask what happens if it runs out and whether you can set spending limits. Check the terms of unlimited plans, especially for use abroad or sharing the connection.
Questions for a business phone provider
- Can we keep our existing numbers?
- Can we add or remove a phone when someone joins or leaves?
- What is the contract length, and are there charges for leaving early?
- Can we limit spending on extra data, international calls and roaming?
- Who do we contact if a phone is lost or stolen?
- What help is available outside normal office hours?
Ask for the contract information in writing before agreeing. Ofcom explains contract information and protections, including those for smaller businesses.
Look after business information
Use a screen lock, keep phones updated and back up important work. Decide who can make changes to the account and how a lost phone would be blocked.
If staff use their own phones, agree where business information is kept and what happens when they leave. Make sure you can still access essential business accounts if a phone used for sign-in codes goes missing.
Before travelling or switching
Check charges for the countries you will visit. Calls, data and sharing a connection with a laptop may have different limits abroad.
When changing providers, agree the number-transfer dates and let the team know what to expect. For several phones, a small trial can help you check the service before moving everyone.