What is airtime?
In mobile phone terminology, airtime refers to the time and service you use on a mobile network — calls, texts, and data. When people ask “what is airtime?” they are typically referring to one of two things:
1. Airtime as mobile service usage
Airtime originally meant the minutes spent on voice calls. Today it broadly covers your entire mobile plan — calls, texts, and mobile data. Your monthly mobile plan gives you a set amount of “airtime” each month.
2. Airtime Credit (ATC) — a business mobile payment
For business mobile customers of Connection Technologies, airtime credit (ATC) is a monthly payment made directly from Connection Technologies to your business bank account. It effectively reduces your mobile bill to the agreed monthly cost that was quoted to you.
How does airtime credit work?
When you take out a business mobile contract through Connection Technologies, the monthly cost on your network bill may differ from the price we quoted. The difference is paid back to you as an airtime credit — a regular payment into your business bank account.
Why does airtime credit not appear on my network bill?
Airtime credits are an arrangement between your business and Connection Technologies, not between you and the network. Because the credit is paid by us rather than the network, it appears as a bank payment rather than a bill reduction.
Are airtime credits taxable?
Airtime credits are classified as ex-gratia payments and are zero-rated for VAT. You will still receive your full network bill which you can reclaim VAT on as normal.
When are airtime credits paid?
Airtime credits are typically paid monthly, in arrears, directly into your nominated business bank account. The exact timing depends on your contract terms — your dedicated account manager can confirm your payment schedule.
What is the difference between airtime and data?
Airtime traditionally referred to voice call time but now broadly covers your entire mobile plan including data. Airtime credit specifically refers to the cashback payment from Connection Technologies, not your data allowance.
What are airtime charges?
Airtime charges are the costs associated with using your mobile service beyond your included allowance. These can include charges for exceeding your data limit, making international calls, using premium rate numbers, or roaming abroad. Setting up mobile spend caps helps control these charges.
Need more information? Contact your Connection Technologies account manager or call 0333 015 2615.