If your business is still paying for handsets bundled into monthly contracts, you are almost certainly spending more than you need to. UK SIM only deals strip out the device cost entirely, leaving you with a lean monthly bill that covers calls, texts and data — nothing more. For businesses that already own their handsets or are happy to buy devices separately, SIM only plans are the fastest route to a lower mobile bill in 2026.
This guide compares every major option available to UK businesses right now — from network-by-network pricing across EE, O2, Three and Vodafone to data allowances, 5G access, contract lengths, multi-line discounts and eSIM technology. Whether you run a two-person consultancy or a fifty-strong sales team, the right SIM only deal can save hundreds or thousands of pounds a year.
For a broader look at all business mobile options including handset contracts, visit our business mobiles hub.
What Are SIM Only Deals?
A SIM only deal is a mobile plan that provides a SIM card (or eSIM) with an allowance of calls, texts and data but does not include a handset. You supply your own phone — whether that is a device you already own, a refurbished model or one purchased outright — and pay only for the airtime.
Because the network is not subsidising the cost of a phone over the contract term, SIM only plans are significantly cheaper than equivalent bundled contracts. A business handset contract that costs £35 per month typically drops to £10–£18 per month on a SIM only deal with the same data allowance. Over a 24-month period, that saving compounds across every line on your account.
How SIM Only Differs from a Standard Contract
| Feature | SIM Only Deal | Handset Contract |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | £6–£25 depending on data | £25–£60+ depending on device and data |
| Handset included | No — you supply your own | Yes — cost spread over contract term |
| Typical contract length | 30 days or 12 months | 24 or 36 months |
| Flexibility | High — easy to switch or cancel | Low — early exit fees apply |
| 5G access | Included on most plans | Included on most plans |
| Best for | Businesses with existing handsets or separate device budgets | Businesses that need new devices and prefer a single monthly bill |
The bottom line: if your team’s phones still work well and you are not due for a hardware refresh, switching to SIM only contracts is the single most impactful change you can make to reduce your mobile spend.
Business SIM Only vs Consumer SIM Only
Consumer SIM only deals are widely advertised and often look cheaper at first glance. But for any VAT-registered business, a dedicated business SIM only plan is almost always the better choice. Here is why.
VAT Savings
Business mobile plans are priced excluding VAT. If your company is VAT-registered, you reclaim the 20% VAT on every bill, which effectively makes a £15 business plan cost £12.50 in real terms. Consumer plans are quoted inclusive of VAT with no reclaim available. This alone can save a ten-line business over £300 per year.
Fleet Management and Admin Tools
Business plans from EE, O2, Three and Vodafone include online portals where you can manage all your lines from a single dashboard. You can set spend caps, monitor data usage across the team, add or remove bolt-ons, order replacement SIMs and generate usage reports. Consumer plans offer none of this — each line is managed individually, which becomes unworkable once you have more than a handful of devices.
Priority Support
Business accounts typically come with dedicated support lines, shorter wait times and UK-based agents. Some networks assign a named account manager once you reach a certain number of lines. Consumer support, by contrast, means queuing behind millions of individual customers.
Multi-Line Discounts
Business SIM only plans unlock volume discounts that are simply not available on consumer tariffs. From as few as five lines, you can negotiate meaningful per-line reductions. At ten or more lines, the savings become substantial. Consumer plans are priced per individual with no aggregation benefit.
For businesses exploring the full range of cost-cutting strategies, our guide to cheap business mobile deals in the UK covers everything from shared data pools to negotiation tactics.
Comparing UK SIM Only Deals Across Networks
The four major UK networks all offer dedicated business SIM only deals, but pricing, data allowances and extras vary considerably. The table below compares representative plans at three data tiers as of early 2026. All prices are per line per month excluding VAT.
Business SIM Only Plans Compared: EE, O2, Three and Vodafone
| Network | 10 GB Plan | 50 GB Plan | Unlimited Data Plan | 5G Included | Min. Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EE | £11/month | £17/month | £25/month | Yes | 12 months |
| O2 | £9/month | £15/month | £23/month | Yes | 12 months |
| Three | £8/month | £14/month | £20/month | Yes | 12 months |
| Vodafone | £10/month | £16/month | £24/month | Yes | 12 months |
Prices are indicative and based on published business tariffs as of March 2026. Actual pricing may vary depending on the number of lines, contract length and any negotiated discounts. All prices exclude VAT.
Network Strengths at a Glance
- EE — widest 5G coverage in the UK, fastest average speeds, strong in urban and suburban areas. Premium pricing reflects the network quality. Best for businesses that need reliable high-speed data across multiple locations.
- O2 — solid 4G and growing 5G footprint, strong business support infrastructure, O2 Priority perks. Good balance of price and performance. Popular with mid-sized businesses.
- Three — most aggressive pricing, generous data allowances, strong 5G rollout in cities. Coverage can be weaker in rural areas. Best for data-heavy businesses in urban locations.
- Vodafone — competitive pricing, good international roaming packages, strong fleet management tools. Reliable coverage across most of the UK. Good all-rounder for businesses with diverse needs.
For a detailed head-to-head breakdown of each network’s business offering, see our comparison of EE, O2, Three and Vodafone business mobiles.
Data Allowances: How Much Does Your Business Need?
Choosing the right data tier is the difference between overpaying for capacity you never use and running out mid-month. The right allowance depends entirely on how your team uses their phones.
Typical Data Usage by Role
| Role / Usage Pattern | Typical Monthly Data | Recommended Plan Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Light user — calls, emails, messaging | 1–5 GB | 5–10 GB |
| Moderate user — emails, web browsing, apps, occasional video calls | 5–15 GB | 15–25 GB |
| Heavy user — frequent video calls, large file transfers, mobile hotspot | 15–40 GB | 50 GB or unlimited |
| Field worker — GPS, job management apps, photo uploads | 5–20 GB | 25–50 GB |
| Remote/hybrid worker — uses mobile as primary connection | 30–100+ GB | Unlimited |
The most common mistake is giving every employee the same data allowance regardless of role. Audit actual usage before choosing plans — most networks provide itemised data that makes this straightforward.
Shared Data Pools
If your team has a mix of light and heavy users, a shared data pool can be more cost-effective than individual allowances. Instead of ten lines each with 20 GB (200 GB total, much of it wasted), you buy a single pool of 100 GB that all lines draw from. The overall cost drops because you are not paying for unused data on every line. Vodafone, O2 and EE all offer shared data options for business accounts.
5G SIM Only Deals for Business
All four major UK networks now include 5G access on their business SIM only plans at no additional cost. You do not need to pay extra for a “5G plan” — if your device supports 5G and you are within a coverage area, you get 5G speeds automatically.
Where 5G Matters for Business
5G delivers download speeds of 100–300 Mbps in real-world conditions, with peaks above 1 Gbps in ideal circumstances. For most business use — emails, calls, messaging — this is overkill. But there are scenarios where 5G makes a tangible difference:
- Mobile hotspot use — employees using their phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot for a laptop get near-broadband speeds, which is valuable for field workers and remote staff without fixed broadband.
- Large file transfers — uploading photos, videos, design files or reports from the field is dramatically faster on 5G.
- Video conferencing — 5G provides the bandwidth and low latency needed for reliable video calls without buffering or dropped connections.
- Temporary site connectivity — for pop-up offices, events or construction sites, a 5G SIM in a portable router can replace a temporary broadband installation.
5G Coverage Considerations
5G coverage in the UK is expanding rapidly but remains concentrated in cities and large towns. EE leads on reach, covering over 50% of the UK population, with Three, Vodafone and O2 following. If your business operates primarily in rural areas, 4G remains perfectly adequate for most tasks — and cheaper.
Before committing to any plan based on 5G availability, check coverage at every postcode your business operates from. Connection Technologies runs multi-network coverage audits as part of every quote — get a free business mobile quote to find out which network delivers the best signal at your locations.
30-Day vs 12-Month SIM Only Contracts
Business SIM only contracts come in two main flavours: 30-day rolling and 12-month fixed. Each has clear advantages depending on your circumstances.
30-Day Rolling Contracts
A 30-day rolling SIM only deal renews monthly and can be cancelled with 30 days’ notice. The advantages are obvious:
- Maximum flexibility — scale up or down as your headcount changes, switch networks if coverage disappoints, or cancel entirely without penalty.
- No long-term commitment — ideal for seasonal businesses, project-based teams or companies in a growth phase where headcount is unpredictable.
- Easy to trial a network — test coverage and service quality for a month before committing to a longer term.
The trade-off is price. 30-day rolling plans typically cost £2–£5 more per line per month than the equivalent 12-month deal. For a single line, that is negligible. For twenty lines, it adds up to £40–£100 per month.
12-Month Fixed Contracts
A 12-month SIM only contract locks you in for a year but offers a lower monthly rate. The advantages:
- Lower per-line cost — the monthly saving over a rolling plan compounds across every line and every month.
- Price certainty — your rate is fixed for the term (subject to any annual CPI-linked increases, which most networks now include).
- Better negotiation leverage — committing to 12 months gives you more room to negotiate discounts, especially on multi-line accounts.
For most established businesses with stable headcounts, 12-month contracts offer the best balance of cost and flexibility. The commitment is short enough that you are never locked into a bad deal for long, but long enough to unlock meaningful savings.
Which Contract Length Should You Choose?
| Scenario | Recommended Contract | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Stable team, predictable headcount | 12-month fixed | Lower cost, price certainty |
| Rapid growth or seasonal fluctuation | 30-day rolling | Scale without penalty |
| Trialling a new network | 30-day rolling | Test before committing |
| Contractor or temporary staff | 30-day rolling | Cancel when the engagement ends |
| Mixed team (permanent + temporary) | 12-month for permanent, 30-day for temporary | Optimise cost and flexibility per role |
When SIM Only Makes Sense for Business
SIM only is not the right choice for every business in every situation. Here are the scenarios where it delivers the clearest value — and the situations where a bundled contract might still make more sense.
SIM Only Is the Right Choice When:
- Your team’s handsets are still in good condition — if devices are less than two to three years old and working well, there is no reason to pay for new ones bundled into a contract.
- You have a separate device budget — buying handsets outright (or refurbished) and pairing them with SIM only plans almost always costs less over two years than a bundled contract.
- You operate a BYOD policy — if employees use their own devices, you only need to provide the SIM and airtime.
- You want flexibility — SIM only contracts are shorter and easier to exit, which suits businesses that are growing, restructuring or uncertain about future needs.
- You are out of contract — if your current contracts have expired and you are paying month-to-month at the old rate, you are almost certainly overpaying. Switching to a fresh SIM only deal will cut costs immediately.
A Bundled Contract Might Be Better When:
- Your team needs new devices — if handsets are old, damaged or no longer receiving security updates, a bundled contract spreads the device cost and avoids a large upfront outlay.
- Cash flow is tight — paying £35/month for a phone and airtime together is easier to budget than a £500 device purchase plus a separate SIM only plan, even if the total cost is higher.
- You need device management included — some bundled business contracts include MDM (mobile device management) software, insurance and next-day replacement, which can be valuable for larger fleets.
For a comprehensive overview of all your options, see our round-up of the best business mobile deals for 2026.
Ready to switch to SIM only? Get a free business mobile quote or call us on 0333 015 2615.
Multi-Line SIM Only Discounts
One of the biggest advantages of business SIM only deals over consumer plans is the ability to negotiate volume discounts. Every major UK network offers tiered pricing that reduces the per-line cost as you add more lines to your account.
Typical Multi-Line Discount Structure
| Number of Lines | Typical Per-Line Discount | Example: 25 GB SIM Only (Before / After Discount) |
|---|---|---|
| 1–4 lines | 0–5% | £15 / £14.25 |
| 5–9 lines | 5–10% | £15 / £13.50 |
| 10–24 lines | 10–15% | £15 / £12.75 |
| 25–49 lines | 15–25% | £15 / £11.25 |
| 50+ lines | 20–30%+ | £15 / £10.50 |
At fifty lines on a 25 GB SIM only plan, a 30% discount saves £135 per month — over £1,600 per year. Even at ten lines with a 10% discount, you save £18 per month or £216 per year. These are savings that go straight to the bottom line.
The discount percentages above are typical starting points. An experienced broker can often negotiate deeper reductions, particularly when consolidating lines from multiple networks onto a single account or committing to a longer contract term. Connection Technologies negotiates multi-line SIM only deals every day — the rates we achieve are consistently below published tariffs.
eSIM for Business: The Future of SIM Only
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM built into the phone’s hardware. Instead of inserting a physical SIM card, you activate the plan by scanning a QR code or downloading a profile from the network. Most business-grade smartphones released since 2020 support eSIM, including the iPhone 13 onwards, Samsung Galaxy S21 onwards and Google Pixel 6 onwards.
Why eSIM Matters for Business SIM Only Deals
- Instant activation — new lines go live in minutes rather than waiting for a physical SIM in the post. Valuable when onboarding staff quickly.
- Dual SIM capability — most eSIM phones support one physical SIM and one eSIM, letting employees carry a business and personal line on a single device.
- Easier device management — eSIM profiles can be provisioned and managed remotely, simplifying fleet administration.
- No physical damage risk — no SIM tray to break, no card to lose, no connectivity issues from a poorly seated SIM.
- Simpler international roaming — employees travelling abroad can add a local eSIM for data without removing their business SIM, avoiding roaming charges while keeping their UK number active.
All four major UK networks now support eSIM on their business plans. If you are ordering new SIM only deals for a team with eSIM-compatible devices, requesting eSIM instead of physical cards saves deployment time and eliminates distribution logistics.
How to Switch to Business SIM Only
Switching to SIM only is straightforward. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth transition:
- Check your current contract end dates — switching before your contract expires triggers early termination fees. If you are already out of contract, you can switch immediately.
- Audit your current usage — download itemised bills for the last three months to identify the right data tier for each employee.
- Check coverage — if switching networks, verify coverage at every location your business operates from. A broker-led coverage audit is more reliable than online checkers.
- Request your PAC codes — text PAC to 65075 from each line to keep your existing numbers. The network must respond within one working day.
- Order your new SIM only plans — choose your network, data tier and contract length. Provide the PAC codes to port your numbers across.
- Activate and test — insert the new SIMs (or download eSIM profiles), confirm the number has ported and test calls, texts and data.
The entire process typically takes three to five working days. For large migrations, stagger the switch over a week or two to minimise disruption.
Need help managing the switch? Get a free business mobile quote or call us on 0333 015 2615 and we will handle the entire process for you.
Why Compare SIM Only Deals Through a Broker
Going direct to a network means you see only that network’s plans and pay that network’s published prices. An independent broker like Connection Technologies compares deals across all major networks and negotiates rates that are consistently lower than going direct.
- Network-agnostic advice — we recommend the network that delivers the best combination of coverage, price and features for your business, not the one that pays us the highest commission.
- Better pricing — as a volume broker placing thousands of lines per year, we access pricing tiers that individual businesses cannot reach alone. Many clients save 15–30%.
- Multi-network coverage audits — we check signal strength at every postcode your business uses across all four networks.
- Single point of contact — one dedicated account manager handles ordering, number porting, fault resolution and renewals.
- Ongoing account management — annual reviews, renewal alerts, usage audits and fresh discount negotiations. You never drift onto an expensive out-of-contract rate.
- No cost to you — our service is free to businesses. We are compensated by the networks, so the deals we find cost you the same or less than going direct.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a SIM only deal?
A SIM only deal is a mobile plan that provides calls, texts and data without including a handset. You receive a SIM card (or eSIM) that you insert into your own phone. Because the network is not subsidising a device, the monthly cost is significantly lower than a bundled handset contract — typically £6–£25 per month for a business plan depending on the data allowance.
How much can my business save by switching to SIM only?
Most businesses save £10–£20 per line per month by switching from a bundled handset contract to a SIM only plan. For a team of ten, that translates to £1,200–£2,400 per year. The exact saving depends on your current contract terms, data needs and any multi-line discounts. Even factoring in buying handsets separately, SIM only almost always works out cheaper over two years.
Can I keep my existing phone numbers when switching to SIM only?
Yes. You can port your existing numbers to a new SIM only plan by requesting a PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) from your current network. Text PAC to 65075 from each line and the network must respond within one working day. Give the PAC to your new provider and the number will transfer within one working day of activation. There is no interruption to service — the old SIM stops working and the new one takes over seamlessly.
Do business SIM only deals include 5G?
Yes. All four major UK networks — EE, O2, Three and Vodafone — include 5G access on their business SIM only plans at no extra cost. You need a 5G-capable device and coverage in your area to benefit. 5G coverage is expanding rapidly but remains concentrated in cities and larger towns as of 2026. Where 5G is not available, your device will fall back to 4G automatically.
Should I choose a 30-day or 12-month SIM only contract?
A 12-month contract offers a lower monthly rate and is the better choice for businesses with stable headcounts. A 30-day rolling contract costs slightly more per month but gives you the flexibility to cancel, upgrade or switch networks at any time — ideal for growing businesses, seasonal staff or when trialling a new network. Many businesses use a mix: 12-month contracts for permanent staff and 30-day rolling for contractors and temporary employees.
What is an eSIM and should my business use one?
An eSIM is a digital SIM embedded in the phone’s hardware. Instead of inserting a physical card, you activate the plan by scanning a QR code. Benefits for business include instant activation (no waiting for a SIM in the post), dual SIM capability (business and personal lines on one device), easier remote management and no risk of physical SIM damage. All major UK networks support eSIM on business plans. If your devices are compatible (iPhone 13+, Samsung Galaxy S21+, Pixel 6+), eSIM is worth considering — especially for fast onboarding.
Are there discounts for ordering multiple SIM only lines?
Yes. Every major UK network offers multi-line discounts for business accounts. Discounts typically start at five lines (5–10% off) and increase with volume — businesses with 25 or more lines can often negotiate 15–25% off the per-line price. An independent broker like Connection Technologies can often secure deeper discounts by leveraging volume across multiple clients. Even small businesses with five to ten lines should never pay the full published rate.
How do I know which network has the best coverage for my business?
Online coverage checkers give a rough indication but are based on modelled predictions. For a reliable answer, check coverage at every postcode your business operates from. Connection Technologies runs multi-network coverage audits as part of every quote, comparing signal strength across EE, O2, Three and Vodafone at your specific locations. Get a free quote and we will include a full coverage report.
Ready to find the best SIM only deal for your business? Get a free business mobile quote or call us on 0333 015 2615. We compare deals across all major UK networks and negotiate the best rate for your specific needs — at no cost to you.