August 11, 2025

Mobile Matters 2025: What it means for your business connectivity

Ofcom’s latest Mobile Matters report gives us a deep dive into how mobile networks are performing across the UK - and the results are eye-opening. Whether you’re a sole trader or managing a nationwide team, understanding these trends can help you make smarter choices about your mobile and broadband services.

5G is growing fast – but there’s still room to improve

The UK business mobile market is fiercely competitive. Providers like O2 Business and EE mobile deals are continuously expanding their offerings for SMEs. Whether you’re sourcing phones from mobiles.co.uk, going direct, or using a specialist broker, the key is matching your mobile data needs to the right plan. Understanding data roaming costs is equally critical for businesses with travelling staff.

28.3% of mobile connections in the UK were on 5G in early 2025 – up from 19.5% the year before.

5G Standalone (SA), the newest and fastest version, made up just 2% of all 5G connections.

70% of 5G SA downloads were over 100 Mbps, compared to 46% for 5G NSA and just 4% for 4G.

That means 5G SA is significantly faster – but still not widely adopted, we expect this to change as more networks roll it out.

Urban vs rural: The connectivity divide

29.5% of connections in urban areas were on 5G, compared to just 18.8% in rural areas.

Urban users also enjoyed faster downloads and better video streaming success rates. If you’re in a rural location, this gap could affect your team’s productivity – but improvements are on the way.

Network performance: Who’s winning?

EE had the highest share of 5G connections (31.9%) and the fastest 4G downloads.

Three led in 5G download speeds and had the lowest (best) latency.

Vodafone had the highest 4G connection success rate.

O2 had the highest share of 3G connections and the slowest upload speeds.

Streaming & speed: What you can expect

98.2% of 5G video streams played without interruption.

65% of 5G connections delivered speeds over 50 Mbps – ideal for high-intensity tasks like video conferencing and large file transfers.

EE had the highest proportion of uploads at 20 Mbps or higher on both 5G (38%) and 4G (19%).

Connection success & latency

5G connection success rate: 97.6%

4G connection success rate: 95.7%

Average latency: 15 – 21 ms on 5G, 18 – 23 ms on 4G – great for real-time activities like video calls and gaming.

Beyond mobile, business broadband is becoming inseparable from your mobile strategy. Companies like BT Business Broadband, Virgin, and Three now bundle mobile and broadband for better value. Pairing a strong mobile plan with reliable business broadband — and a VoIP system — creates complete connectivity resilience for your workforce.

Tips for choosing the right mobile provider for your business

Choosing the right provider isn’t just about price – it’s about performance, reliability and future-readiness. Here are some smart tips:

Check local coverage

Use tools like Ofcom’s Map Your Mobile to see which networks perform best in your area – especially if you’re in a rural or semi-rural location.

Prioritise 5G availability

If your business relies on fast data and video conferencing, look for providers with strong 5G coverage and performance.

Consider upload speeds

If your team regularly uploads large files or uses cloud-based tools, upload speed matters.

Think about device compatibility

Make sure your devices are 5G-ready and your tariff includes 5G access – some older plans don’t.

Use a comparison service

Let experts like Connection Technologies do the legwork. We compare the whole market to find the best deals tailored to your business needs.

Get in touch with our team today – we’ll help you find the best fit for your business.

Read Ofcom’s latest Mobile Matters report here in full.

Switching provider? Learn what a PAC code means and how to get one to keep your business number when you move networks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate phone for business use?

Not necessarily. Many businesses use MDM (Mobile Device Management) to separate work and personal data on the same device. However, a dedicated business contract gives you better control over costs, security and compliance.

Can I keep my existing business mobile numbers?

Yes. You can port your existing numbers to a new provider using a PAC code, which takes 1–3 working days. Connection Technologies handles the entire porting process for you at no extra cost.

How much do business mobile contracts cost in the UK?

Business mobile contracts in the UK typically range from £10–£50 per user per month depending on data allowances, handset choices and contract length. SIM-only deals start from around £6/month. Connection Technologies can help you find the most cost-effective plan for your team.

Which mobile network has the best UK business coverage?

EE currently offers the widest 4G and 5G coverage in the UK, followed by Vodafone and Three. The best network for your business depends on your locations. Connection Technologies works with all major networks and can recommend the best fit based on your coverage needs.

What happens when my business mobile contract ends?

When your contract ends, you can upgrade, switch provider, or move to a rolling monthly plan. Connection Technologies proactively reviews your contracts before renewal to ensure you always get the best available deal.