Business Mobiles

Yes, if you leave a business mobile contract before the minimum term ends, you will typically be charged an early termination fee (ETF). Here is how it works:

How ETFs are calculated:
Most networks charge the remaining monthly payments left on your contract. For example, if you have 6 months remaining at £30 per month, the ETF would be approximately £180.

Device charges:
If your contract includes a subsidised handset, you may also need to pay the outstanding device cost. This is separate from the service ETF.

How to avoid ETFs:

• Wait for your upgrade window — Connection Technologies can upgrade your contract from the mid-point, often with better deals than your current terms
• Negotiate with your current provider — sometimes they will waive fees if you are switching to a plan that benefits them
• Plan ahead — start comparing deals 3-6 months before your contract ends

Important: Under the 2025 Ofcom ruling, providers must clearly state all charges including ETFs at the point of sale. There should be no surprises.

Contact your Connection Technologies account manager who can review your current contract and advise on the most cost-effective way to switch.

Yes, absolutely. You do not need to be a limited company to get a business mobile phone contract. Sole traders, partnerships, freelancers, and self-employed individuals can all access business mobile plans.

To set up a business mobile contract as a sole trader, you typically need:

• Your business name or trading name
• Your business address
• Proof of identity
• A credit check (similar to a personal contract)

Business contracts offer sole traders the same benefits as larger companies — dedicated account management, VAT invoicing, priority support, and often better pricing than consumer plans.

Many sole traders start with a single line or a SIM-only deal and add more lines as their business grows. At Connection Technologies, we have no minimum line requirements. Get a sole trader business mobile quote.

Yes, you can keep your existing business mobile numbers when switching to a new provider. This process is called mobile number portability (MNP) and is your legal right under Ofcom regulations.

To keep your number, you need a PAC code (Porting Authorisation Code). Text PAC to 65075 from the number you want to keep, and your network must respond within one minute.

For businesses with multiple lines, each number requires its own PAC code. Connection Technologies handles bulk PAC code requests and manages the entire porting process to ensure zero disruption to your team.

Read our complete PAC code guide for step-by-step instructions.

Yes, most business mobile phone contracts allow you to choose different handsets for different employees within the same account.

Common combinations include:

• Flagship smartphones (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy) for managers and sales teams
• Mid-range devices for office-based staff who need basic smartphone functionality
• Rugged phones for field workers, construction, and warehouse environments
• Tablets and mobile broadband devices for workers who need larger screens
• SIM-only lines for employees who already have compatible devices

Mixing devices does not affect your contract pricing — each line is priced individually based on the handset and plan chosen. Build your custom business mobile package.

Your bill should be available online via your network providers online account system and only takes a few minutes to set up. Click on the network link below to get started.

Vodafone - Click here to access the online portal and follow the guide below to get your account set up.

Setting up online billing with Vodafone

O2 – As an O2 customer this should already be in place for you and you should have received a SMS from O2, but if you haven't or need help, please click here.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to your account manager who can assist you in getting these set up.

Comparing business mobile deals effectively requires looking beyond just the monthly price. Here is what to consider:

1. Check network coverage — use independent Ofcom data to verify signal strength at your business locations, not just network marketing claims
2. Compare total cost — factor in handset costs, insurance, any annual price increases, and early termination fees
3. Assess data needs — calculate how much data each user actually needs. Shared data pools can save money for teams with variable usage
4. Review contract length — longer contracts (24-36 months) offer lower monthly costs but less flexibility
5. Check roaming inclusions — if your team travels internationally, roaming charges can vary enormously between providers
6. Consider support quality — UK-based support with fast response times saves your business time and frustration

The easiest way to compare is to use an independent provider like Connection Technologies. We compare deals from all major UK networks and recommend the best option based on your specific needs — not which network pays us the most commission. Get your free comparison today.

The easiest way to get a PAC code is by texting PAC to 65075 from the mobile number you want to keep. Your network provider is required by Ofcom to respond with your PAC code within one minute.

Alternatively, you can:

• Call your network provider customer services line
• Request one through your provider online account or app
• Ask your Connection Technologies account manager to handle it for you

A PAC code is valid for 30 days once issued. If you do not use it within that period, you can request a new one at no cost. For more details, read our comprehensive PAC code guide.

Setting up a business phone number in the UK is straightforward. You have several options:

Business mobile number:
Take out a business mobile contract and you will be assigned a new UK mobile number (07xxx). Alternatively, you can transfer your existing personal number to the business contract using a PAC code.

Landline-style number (01/02/03):
With a hosted VoIP system like Connection Technologies Hypercloud, you can get local area code numbers (01/02) or national rate numbers (03) that ring on your mobile, desk phone, or laptop.

Memorable or sequential numbers:
Some providers offer memorable number blocks for businesses wanting professional, easy-to-remember numbers.

Steps to get started:

1. Decide what type of number you need (mobile, local, national)
2. Choose a provider and plan
3. Complete the application (business name, address, ID verification)
4. Receive your SIM or VoIP credentials
5. Start making and receiving calls

Most business numbers can be set up within 1-2 working days. Contact us and we will help you choose the right number type for your business.

Switching your business mobile provider is straightforward. Here is the process:

1. Get quotes — compare deals from multiple providers or use an independent broker like Connection Technologies
2. Request PAC codes — text PAC to 65075 from each number you want to keep. Each number needs its own code
3. Choose your new provider and plan — select handsets, data allowances, and contract length
4. Provide PAC codes to new provider — they handle the number transfer
5. Wait for activation — numbers typically transfer within one working day
6. Old contract cancels automatically — using the PAC triggers cancellation with your old provider

Things to check before switching:

• Are you within your minimum contract term? Early exit fees may apply
• Do you have device financing still outstanding?
• Are there any number porting restrictions on your account?

Connection Technologies handles the entire switching process for you — from PAC codes to device setup. We manage bulk transfers for businesses with hundreds of lines. Start your switch today.

The broadband speed your business needs depends on how many people use it and what they do. Here is a guide:

1-5 employees (basic use): 30-80 Mbps
Sufficient for email, web browsing, and occasional video calls.

5-20 employees (moderate use): 100-300 Mbps
Good for multiple simultaneous video calls, cloud applications, and file sharing.

20-50 employees (heavy use): 300 Mbps - 1 Gbps
Required for large teams using cloud-based software, video conferencing, and data-heavy applications simultaneously.

50+ employees or data-intensive: 1 Gbps+ (leased line)
Dedicated uncontended bandwidth with guaranteed speeds and an SLA.

Key factors that increase your speed requirements:

• Video conferencing (each call uses 2-4 Mbps)
• Cloud-based CRM, accounting, or ERP systems
• VoIP phone systems
• Large file uploads and downloads
• Multiple office locations connected via VPN

Connection Technologies can assess your current usage and recommend the right broadband speed and technology for your business. Explore our broadband options.

Once issued, a PAC code is valid for 30 days. If you do not use it within this 30-day window, it will expire and you will need to request a new one.

There is no limit to how many times you can request a PAC code, and it is always free. Here are some important things to know about PAC code validity:

• The 30-day window gives you time — you do not need to rush your decision. Use this time to compare deals and find the right provider.
• Your contract continues — requesting a PAC code does not cancel your contract. Your existing service continues until the PAC is actually used.
• No penalty for expiry — if your PAC expires, nothing happens. Your contract continues as normal and you can request a new PAC whenever you are ready.
• One PAC per number — each mobile number requires its own PAC code for porting.

For business accounts with multiple lines, Connection Technologies can manage all your PAC codes in bulk. Read our full PAC code guide.

Most business mobile contracts can accommodate any number of devices — from a single handset to thousands of lines. There is no practical upper limit with the major UK networks.

You can start with as few as one device and add more lines at any time, usually at the same rates as your original agreement. This makes business contracts ideal for growing companies.

For larger deployments (50+ devices), Connection Technologies can negotiate bespoke pricing and create multi-network solutions where different employees use different networks based on coverage at their primary locations. Get a quote for your team.

With Connection Technologies we can look to upgrade your contract at the mid-way point of your contract. At this time, we will look at the market and compare your current contract against the latest deals and hopefully save your business money.

We can also look at upgrading your handsets, trading them in for the latest Apple or Android models. Our buying power ensures that we are highly competitive on contract and device plans, meaning that you can always have a new phone that helps keep you connected.

If you have lost your phone or it has been stolen, take these steps immediately:

1. Call us on 0333 015 2615 — we will set a spend cap on your account straight away to prevent unauthorised charges.

2. Remote lock your device — if you have mobile device management (MDM) enabled, we can remotely lock or wipe the device to protect your business data.

3. Report to police — get a crime reference number, which you will need for any insurance claim.

4. Insurance claim — if you have mobile insurance through Connection Technologies, we will start the claims process immediately. In most cases, we can arrange a replacement device within 24 hours.

5. Block your SIM — we will arrange for your network to block the SIM card so it cannot be used.

We understand how disruptive losing a business phone can be. Our UK-based support team handles these situations regularly and will work to get you back up and running as quickly as possible. Learn about our business mobile services.

By default, your bills are available online through your network provider digital portal. However, we understand that some customers prefer to receive paper bills by post.

To switch to postal billing, contact your dedicated Connection Technologies account manager who can arrange this with your network provider. Please note that some networks may charge a small administration fee (typically £1-£2 per month) for postal billing.

We recommend keeping online billing active even if you prefer post, as the digital portal gives you:

• Instant access to current and historical bills
• Real-time usage monitoring
• The ability to download bills as PDFs for your records
• Faster dispute resolution if any billing queries arise

Need help setting up online billing? See our guide on how to access your bill.

The best business mobile phone plans depend on your specific requirements — there is no single best deal for everyone. However, here is what the top UK networks offer:

Vodafone Business — Strong coverage nationwide, excellent shared data plans, good international roaming packages. Best for: businesses needing reliable coverage across the UK.

EE Business — The UK's largest 4G network and fastest growing 5G. Best for: data-heavy users who need fast, reliable mobile internet.

O2 Business — Flexible contracts, strong city coverage, O2 Priority benefits. Best for: SMEs wanting straightforward plans with good customer service.

Three Business — Competitive pricing, generous data allowances, strong 5G rollout. Best for: businesses that need lots of data at the lowest cost.

The best approach is to compare all networks against your actual usage patterns and locations. Connection Technologies does this for free — we analyse your needs and recommend the best plan from any network. Read our full comparison guide or get a free quote.

When your business mobile contract reaches the end of its minimum term, you have several options:

1. Renew with a new deal:
This is usually the best option. New contracts often come with better pricing, more data, and the option to upgrade to the latest handsets. Connection Technologies proactively contacts you before your contract ends to compare the market and find you a better deal.

2. Continue on a rolling basis:
If you do not renew, most networks move you to a rolling monthly contract at the same (or higher) rate. You keep your number and service but miss out on potential savings from a new deal.

3. Switch provider:
Use a PAC code to move your number to a new network. Connection Technologies handles the entire switching process.

4. Cancel:
If you no longer need the line, use a STAC code to terminate. Text STAC to 75075.

Important: Once your minimum term ends, you are free to leave at any time with no early termination fees. However, continuing to pay out-of-contract rates is almost always more expensive than negotiating a new deal.

We recommend starting to compare options 2-3 months before your contract ends. Get a free renewal quote.

5G is the fifth generation of mobile network technology, offering significantly faster speeds, lower latency, and greater capacity than 4G. For businesses, 5G enables:

• Download speeds up to 10x faster than 4G
• Near-instant response times for cloud applications
• Better performance in crowded areas (offices, events, city centres)
• Support for more connected devices simultaneously

5G availability in the UK (2026): All four major networks are actively rolling out 5G. EE and Three have the widest 5G coverage currently, with Vodafone and O2 expanding rapidly. However, 5G is still predominantly available in major cities and towns.

Do you need 5G? For most businesses, 4G provides perfectly adequate speeds for email, cloud apps, and video calls. 5G becomes valuable if your team regularly transfers large files, uses video-heavy applications, or works in areas with congested 4G networks.

All new business mobile contracts from Connection Technologies include 5G access at no extra cost where available. Check 5G availability at your location.

A business mobile phone contract is a service agreement between your company and a mobile network provider, designed specifically for commercial use. Unlike personal contracts, business mobile phone contracts offer several advantages:

• Dedicated account management — a single point of contact who understands your business needs
• Bulk pricing — better rates when you have multiple lines on one account
• Shared data pools — spread data allowances across your team instead of paying per device
• VAT invoicing — reclaim VAT on your mobile costs (20% saving)
• Priority support — faster response times than consumer helplines
• Flexible terms — contracts from 12 to 36 months with the ability to add lines mid-term

Business phone contracts are available from all major UK networks including Vodafone, EE, O2, and Three. At Connection Technologies, we compare deals from all networks to find the best contract for your specific requirements. Get a free business mobile quote.

A PAC code (Porting Authorisation Code) is a unique nine-character code that allows you to transfer your existing mobile phone number from one network provider to another. It is your right as a UK mobile customer to request a PAC code at any time, free of charge.

How to get your PAC code

Text PAC to 65075 from the number you want to keep. Your network must respond within one minute. The PAC code is valid for 30 days and is completely free.

What does PAC code mean?

PAC stands for Porting Authorisation Code. It is sometimes also searched for as "pack code", "pak code", or "stac code". A STAC code is different — it cancels your contract without keeping your number.

PAC code key facts

• Valid for 30 days from the date issued
• Free to request — your network cannot charge you
• Number transfer completes within one working day
• Your old contract is automatically cancelled when the number ports
• Each mobile number requires its own PAC code

For a complete guide covering business PAC transfers, STAC codes, tips for smooth switching, and frequently asked questions, read our comprehensive PAC code guide.

Get a free business mobile quote or call 0333 015 2615.

A pro-rata fee is a partial month charge that covers the period from when your mobile contract was first activated through to the start of your regular billing cycle.

Mobile networks bill on fixed dates each month. If your contract starts part-way through a billing period, you are charged a proportional amount for those remaining days. This is the pro-rata fee.

Example: If your monthly cost is £30 and your contract starts 10 days before the billing cycle resets, your pro-rata fee would be approximately £10 (10/30 of the monthly cost).

Pro-rata fees are a one-off charge on your first bill only. From the second bill onwards, you will pay your standard agreed monthly amount. Will this be on every bill?

A SIM-only business deal provides a mobile plan (calls, texts, and data) without a handset. You receive a SIM card to use in a phone you already own.

Benefits of SIM-only for business:

• Lower monthly cost — typically 30-50% cheaper than contracts with handsets
• Shorter commitments — available on 1-month, 12-month, or 24-month terms
• Flexibility — easy to switch or cancel without device financing tying you in
• Use existing devices — extend the life of current phones that are still working well
• VAT reclaimable — same tax benefit as full business contracts

When SIM-only makes sense:

• Your team already has suitable phones (BYOD)
• You purchase devices separately through a leasing arrangement
• You want to reduce costs on lines that do not need the latest handset
• You need a temporary line for a contractor or project

Connection Technologies offers SIM-only business deals from all major UK networks. Get a SIM-only quote.

Cloud-based telephony (also called hosted VoIP or cloud phone systems) is a business phone system that runs over the internet instead of traditional phone lines. Instead of physical PBX hardware in your office, your phone system is hosted in secure data centres and accessed via your internet connection.

Benefits for businesses:

• Work from anywhere — take your business number with you on any device
• No hardware costs — no expensive PBX equipment to buy or maintain
• Easy scaling — add or remove users in minutes
• Advanced features — call recording, auto-attendant, voicemail-to-email, CRM integration
• Cost savings — typically 30-50% cheaper than traditional phone systems
• Future-proof — ready for the 2027 UK landline switch-off

Connection Technologies offers Hypercloud, our feature-rich hosted VoIP platform. Learn more about Hypercloud or get a free quote.

At the beginning of 2025, Ofcom announced a ruling that banned mid-contract price rises linked to inflation, to ensure greater price transparency for mobile, broadband and TV customers.

This ruling refers to consumer contracts, however in the spirit of transparency, the networks that Connection Technologies work with have adopted some of the same principals, mainly stating any future price rises in exact monetary terms at the point of sale, ensuring that customers know the exact costs throughout the duration of their contract.

What this means for you is as follows:

Vodafone and EE will continue to follow a CPI and RPI linked increase. The CPI is published in January each year which is then added to an additional increase which accounts for the RPI.

O2 have opted to follow a fixed fee increase of £1.50 every April, for the duration of the contract.

Three will be following a tiered approach based on the value of the monthly contract fee. Monthly rentals of £0.01 - £9.99 will increase by 50p every April for the duration of the contract. Monthly rentals of £10.00 - £20.00 will increase by 75p every April for the duration of the contract. Monthly rentals of £20.01+ will increase by £1.50 every April for the duration of the contract.

For the latest increases, always refer to your network providers website.

The key differences between 4G and 5G for business users are:

Speed:

• 4G: typical speeds of 20-50 Mbps
• 5G: typical speeds of 100-300 Mbps (up to 1Gbps in ideal conditions)

Latency (response time):

• 4G: around 30-50 milliseconds
• 5G: as low as 1-10 milliseconds

Capacity:

• 4G: can slow down significantly in busy areas
• 5G: handles many more simultaneous connections without degradation

Practical impact for business: 5G makes video conferencing smoother, cloud app access faster, and large file transfers near-instant. However, 4G remains perfectly adequate for most standard business use including email, web browsing, and voice calls.

Coverage: 4G covers over 99% of the UK population. 5G is currently available in most major cities and towns, with coverage expanding monthly.

Connection Technologies includes 5G access in all new contracts at no extra cost. We can advise whether 5G coverage is available at your specific locations. Contact us to discuss your needs.

Business mobile plans differ from personal plans in several important ways:

Cost savings:

• Business plans allow you to reclaim VAT (effectively 20% cheaper)
• Multi-line discounts reduce per-device costs
• Shared data pools prevent overspending on individual allowances

Better support:

• Dedicated account manager who knows your business
• UK-based support teams (not overseas call centres)
• Faster response times — Connection Technologies answers in 45 seconds

Management features:

• Centralised billing for all devices
• Spend caps to prevent bill shock
• Mobile Device Management (MDM) for security and compliance
• Ability to add or remove lines without renegotiating the entire contract

Flexibility:

• Mix different handsets and plans on one account
• Mid-contract upgrades available
• International roaming packages for business travel

If you are using personal contracts for business, switching to a business mobile plan could save you money while giving you much better support. Compare business plans now.

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) makes calls over the internet, while a traditional landline uses copper phone wires. Here are the key differences:

Technology:

• Landline: analogue signals over copper wires
• VoIP: digital voice data over your internet connection

Cost:

• Landline: higher call costs, expensive hardware, maintenance fees
• VoIP: lower call costs (often unlimited UK calls included), no hardware, minimal maintenance

Features:

• Landline: basic calling, voicemail, caller ID
• VoIP: video calling, call recording, auto-attendant, CRM integration, voicemail-to-email, mobile app, call analytics

Flexibility:

• Landline: fixed to one location
• VoIP: use from anywhere with internet — office, home, mobile

Important: The UK is switching off the traditional landline network by 2027. All businesses will need to move to VoIP or similar digital technology. Explore our VoIP solutions.

The RPI (Retail Prices Index) and CPI (Consumer Price Index) are measures of inflation used by UK mobile networks to adjust pricing each year, usually in April.

Every April, network providers review their pricing based on these inflation measures. Here is how each network handles it:

Vodafone and EE follow a CPI-linked increase. The CPI figure is published in January, and an additional percentage is added on top.

O2 applies a fixed increase of £1.50 per line every April, regardless of inflation.

Three uses a tiered approach:

• Plans £0.01 – £9.99: increase by 50p per month
• Plans £10.00 – £20.00: increase by 75p per month
• Plans £20.01+: increase by £1.50 per month

These increases apply for the duration of your contract. At Connection Technologies, we ensure you understand the exact costs at the point of sale so there are no surprises. Read about the 2025 Ofcom ruling on price hikes.

Coverage varies significantly between Vodafone, EE, O2, and Three depending on your exact location. No single network has the best coverage everywhere in the UK.

To check coverage at your business locations:

1. Use Ofcom's Map Your Mobile tool for independent, crowd-sourced signal data
2. Check each network's own coverage checker (though these tend to be optimistic)
3. Ask Connection Technologies for a free coverage analysis — we use independent Ofcom data to check all four networks at your specific postcodes

We recommend checking coverage at your office, warehouse, key customer sites, and regular travel routes. The best mobile deal is worthless if you cannot get a signal where you need it.

Read our complete UK mobile signal guide or request a free coverage analysis.

If you change network providers and want to keep your existing mobile number, you will need a PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) to facilitate the transfer. This process is known as mobile number portability (MNP).

Without a PAC code, your old number will simply be deactivated when your previous contract ends, and you will be assigned a brand new number by your new provider.

Keeping your existing number is important for business continuity:

• Clients and customers already have your number
• Your number may be printed on business cards, websites, and marketing materials
• Updating your number across all contacts and services is time-consuming
• You may miss important calls during the transition

Once you provide your PAC code to your new network, the number transfer typically completes within one working day. Read our complete PAC code guide.

All the UK mobile networks that Connection Technologies work with bill one month in advance. This means your first bill will include a partial month charge (known as a pro-rata fee) on top of your standard monthly cost.

For example, if your contract starts on the 15th of the month and your billing cycle runs from the 1st, your first bill will include:

• The pro-rata charge for the 15th to the end of that month
• Your full monthly charge for the following month

After this initial bill, your monthly charges should return to the agreed amount. If your bill continues to be higher than expected, contact your Connection Technologies account manager who can review it for you.

Learn more about pro-rata fees.

Going direct to a single network means you only see that network's deals. An independent provider like Connection Technologies offers significant advantages:

Access to all networks: We compare deals from Vodafone, EE, O2, and Three. You get the best deal from whichever network suits you, not whichever network we represent.

Independent coverage advice: We use Ofcom data to check actual signal strength at your locations, not marketing claims from a single network.

One point of contact: Even if different employees are on different networks, you deal with one account manager for everything — billing queries, upgrades, support, and device issues.

Better pricing: Our bulk buying power across all networks means we can often beat direct network pricing, especially for multi-line accounts.

Ongoing management: We proactively review your contracts, flag savings opportunities, and handle mid-contract upgrades. Networks rarely do this for direct customers.

UK-based support: Calls answered within 45 seconds by people who know your account — not a generic call centre. Experience the difference.

You will only be charged a pro-rata fee on your first bill with your network. This is a one-time charge that covers the partial month from when your contract started to the beginning of your regular billing cycle.

However, there are two situations where you may see a pro-rata charge again:

• Switching networks — if you move to a new provider, your first bill with them will include a new pro-rata fee
• Mid-contract changes — if you upgrade or change your plan mid-cycle, a pro-rata adjustment may appear

After the first full month of your contract, your bill should revert to the agreed monthly cost. If you notice unexpected charges on subsequent bills, contact your Connection Technologies account manager for a review.