Owning a business mobile can be the answer to many issues; working whilst still on the road, replying to customers as soon as possible, checking urgent issues no matter when or where you are and providing the split you need for a healthy work/life balance.
Now a days, there’s many different options for a work phone. You can go as updated as you like with as much data as you need. Providers can tailor your needs to your plan, ensuring you’re only paying for what you need. You’re able to bolt on international use and travel without concern. Get a mobile which caters for just emails and simple communication or go ‘all out’ with the top of the range model featuring high spec cameras and video opportunities.
The possibilities are endless.
Let’s cover everything – from top to bottom. We want to make sure you know all about business mobiles, ensuring you get everything you require. From whom qualifies to general usage to the benefits, our goal is to ensure you’re educated.
Supporting those who are sole traders to large corporations, business mobiles have their use no matter the business size.
Easily navigate using our contents below.
- What is a business mobile contract?
- Who needs a business mobile?
- What is the best business mobile plan?
- Should I get a phone contract for business use?
- How do I get a business mobile?
- What’s the benefits of having a business mobile?
- What are the most popular business mobiles?
- What features does a business mobile need?
What is a business mobile contract?
A business mobile contract allows you to have a mobile for work use. Depending on the contract you choose, you’ll receive the mobile and data plan of your choice. If you’re in control of the contract you choose, you’ll need to evaluate how much data you may require along with minutes and texts.
Typically, the majority of work phone plans feature unlimited minutes and texts so that’s less of a worry than your data allowance. You won’t want to be out and about then you lose data because you didn’t get quite enough! The usual data allowances offered are 20GB, 50GB or unlimited so the choice is yours.
In addition to the amount of data you require, there are a couple of topics you need to cover when considering your chosen plan; international calls and data roaming. Whilst they typically come under the same bracket, they are different enough to be explained individually.
International Calling
International calling is when you call a phone number which originally resides outside of the country you’re ringing from. For example, you’re in the UK and phoning a number within France or Spain. There are typically additional charges for this. Providers you’re looking in to will be able to confirm their rates.
Roaming
Roaming is when you use your own mobile within another country. You may be on a personal holiday or a business trip with your business mobile but either way, you will need to ensure your plan covers use abroad. Again, the provider you choose will confirm whether this is included in your plan or a bolt-on.
Who needs a business mobile?
A work mobile can be used by many different businesses including small, medium and large. To decide who within a business will benefit from a mobile, there are a few factors to consider:
- Who is away from their desk for a long period?
- Who doesn’t have access to a desk phone?
- Who may need to use their mobile for work use outside of the business premises such as needing to check emails at home?
- Who largely works remotely?
Evaluating these factors will provide more guidance into the process of obtaining and assigning your new work phones.
Technology has moved forward at an incredible rate more recently with Microsoft Teams being used on a regular basis. Google Meet is also another platform commonly used. These apps can easily be downloaded and setup on a mobile, allowing for video conferencing from a portable point of view.
Flexibility is a large benefit to business mobiles. It improves the level of communication you can get within a business without too much of an investment. It’s especially useful if you have members of your team heading outside of the premises and talking to clients at their company.
- Directors/Management
- Sales Members
- Project Managers
These are just a small number of possible people who could benefit from the flexibility of a work mobile. Others could even include engineers and support workers, allowing them to navigate between external businesses seamlessly.
Delving deeper into the work of business mobile use, there are a number of people who could benefit on the smaller scale. Companies who operate with 1-4 employees are very common across the UK. These types of companies could be salons, window cleaners, plumbers, carpet cleaners and so on. Thinking of a work life balance, having a mobile which is primarily for business use means at the end of the working week, it can be popped away.
What is the best business mobile plan?
Each business mobile plan can be designed around the company’s needs. You’re able to tailor your plan to feature the phone you’d like and the amount of data you require. There are many different providers to explore for your next mobile plan.
Providers will offer many different models which vary in price. The price differences come from how new the mobile is in release, the data you require and the minutes and texts. When getting in touch with them, you can tailor your needs and come up with a unique price point. Let’s delve deeper into what makes the ‘best’ business mobile plan…
- Coverage – If you’re on the road a lot, good coverage is a must, ensuring no drop offs with 4G/5G connectivity in as many places as possible.
- Data limits – Get the data allowance you need. Some providers will even allow you to choose a fully custom plan for your package.
- Data usage – If you’re looking to setup multiple devices, ensuring they have the data they need is a must. Work with your chosen provider to ensure each mobile is either managed individually or all together, sharing the data usage across the plan.
- Price – Getting the best bang for your buck is what most people look for. Even though it is important, aftercare is just as important, justifying the price you’re paying.
- Aftercare – High-class customer service can help in question answering and problem solving. Cheap might seem like the way to go but you’re also paying for the experience and knowledge which comes with your provider.
- Updating to the latest model – Having the ability to upgrade to the next model is a must. Not only to make the most of the new features but also to show you’re up to date when you’re with your clients. Having an old mobile may come across as being ‘out-of-date’. Don’t forget – first impressions count.
Should I get a phone contract for business use?
A business mobile can allow you to carry out your business without the use of your personal mobile. This ensures all work-related emails and contacts can be kept in a controlled environment, managed by your business. Here is a bit of a breakdown, comparing business and personal use of mobiles…
| Business mobile | Personal mobile |
| Used by professionals likely on the road or moving around the business. | Used by anyone, at home and on the road. |
| Features business related apps such as Outlook for emails, Microsoft Teams and possibly LinkedIn. | Typically, personal mobiles have personal email accounts, social media and games. |
| Usually feature unlimited data with the possibility of bolting on data for country travels. | Various data plans to cover the need of the individual user. |
Additional differences are…
Billing and reporting – Most businesses require additional capabilities when looking at billing. For personal accounts, it’s a simple payment financial process. For businesses, they will require more advanced billing options such as detailed reports, centralised billing and the ability to split costs across departments and projects.
Additional security – To protect the business’ assets, some business accounts may request improved measures such as being able to lock a device and wipe its contents. This isn’t a standard personal plan capability.
Roaming and international services – Business plans usually offer more in depth roaming and international services. This is because some businesses might need to contact partners and/or customers over seas or across-boarders on a regular basis. Typically, personal plans are on a case-by-case basis.
How do I get a business mobile?
To get a business mobile, the business you work for will supply the device. Sole traders and SOHO businesses can also get a business mobile contract by speaking to suppliers such as Aerial Direct. Signing up to a business mobile contract doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, it’s simpler than you may think!
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a sole trader or a large corporation, the only requirement is the want to have a business mobile. Especially with O2, there’s no specific requirements to be signed up or registered as an official business. Knowing that, let’s go through the general process for getting a business contract…
- Decide which mobile you’d like.
- Find out how much data, minutes and texts you would require.
- Explore business mobile suppliers and identify which network you’d like to join.
- Talk to the suppliers of your choice and explore their pricing.
- Sign up to the business mobile plan with your business information; name, email address, current mobile number and business address are the typical fields required.
- Go through the approval process and credit check to ensure you’re clear. Not to worry – it’s similar to signing up to a personal mobile contract with a slightly more in-depth background check.
- Once complete and you’re given the ‘all clear’, you’ll receive your new mobile in the post.
What’s the benefits of having a business mobile?
By having a business mobile, it allows you to get in touch with clients, receive and send emails and browse whilst on the road. The benefits of having a specific mobile for business are a plenty.
Improved customer service
No matter your location, you’ll always be contactable to assist with customer concerns and help those using your services, take bookings and receive feedback.
Always connected to your office and customers
Using the rear and front facing camera, quickly setup video meetings and conferences or simply have a more personal connection to your customers when discussing your services over the phone.
Improved mobility
They allow flexibility, meaning you’re not locked to your office desk.
Increased productivity
Mobiles now have the capabilities of a powerful computer right at your fingertips. Multi-tasking has never been easier.
Remote working
Work from home or at the office without needing to setup multiple devices at different locations.
Work life balance
Having a business specific device can also allow for a more manageable work/life balance, keeping your personal life separate.
What are the most popular business mobiles?
Apple and Samsung are the more popular brands for business mobiles with the iPhone 16 and Samsung S25 being the new models on the market. Thanks to suppliers who can control the device and data allowance, you’re able to get brand new phones for an affordable price.
At Aerial Direct, we’re able to provide some insight into our current most popular devices for our customers. They range from the newest devices to some slightly older mobiles. The reason for the difference is typically down to use. Some businesses don’t require the newest of mobiles, so they’ll go down the more affordable route. It really depends on the requirements.
- iPhone 16
- Samsung A16
- Samsung A35
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Samsung S25
What features does a business mobile need?
Speed, connectivity, security and storage are the primary features for a business mobile. These can ensure for easy use of the business mobile and effectiveness of the device.
Essentials
Increased security
Protect against attacks and online harm.
Long battery life
Operate without the need of charging often.
4G & 5G connectivity
Uninterrupted communications across the board.
Storage
Store photos, videos and apps without concern.
Optional
Camera
Use it for social media or taking photos of your work.
Rough working?
Rugged models are perfect for some tougher environments.
AI capabilities
Ask your smart AI assistance to help with searching and general phone use.
Going cheaper
With so many handsets available, you’re in control of how much you want to spend.