Compare business SIM only deals with Bionic

A business SIM only deal works much like a normal business mobile contract in that it offers a package of minutes, text messages and data for a fixed monthly cost, but it doesn’t include the cost of a new device. That’s why it’s called SIM only.

Regular software updates for smartphone operating systems mean handsets last a lot longer than they used to, and a SIM only deal could help cut costs if your current mobile deal has ended and you’ve paid for your device. It could also come in handy if you’re upgrading your current device and passing your old one on to another member of staff - just give them the old handset with the new SIM and they’re good to go.

SIM only deals for business can also be a good fit if you allow employees to use their own smartphones for work, as it means you can keep a handle on the cost of business calls without having to fork out for new company devices.

It might be worth considering a SIM only deal if you’re a new start up with a limited credit history, or if your business has a poor credit score - you’ll have a better chance of being accepted for a SIM only deal as your provider won’t have to legislate for the added ‘risk’ of providing an expensive device as part of the package.

Flexibility is another reason to consider a business SIM only deal - while other business phone contracts might need you to sign up for three years, but you can get shorter, more flexible SIM only contracts.

It’s also worth knowing that you don’t have to report anything to HMRC, deduct or pay tax and national insurance if you provide employees with one SIM card (or mobile phone) and the phone contract is between your business and the service provider. If your employees’ mobile phone costs are part of a salary sacrifice arrangement, you have to report employees’ mobile phone costs to HMRC. For more information on the tax implications of business mobile phones, go to GOV.UK.

Don’t make the mistake of staying on an expensive contract when you could save money by switching to a SIM only deal. Get in touch with Bionic’s tech-enabled experts to compare business SIM only deals.

Along with the cost and length of contract, you’ll need to consider which type of SIM card you need. There are three main types and sizes of SIM cards available, each of which fit specific devices. These are:

• Standard SIM card (15mm x 25mm)
• Micro SIM card (12mm x 15mm)
• Nano SIM card (8.8m x 12.3mm)

If you’re not sure which size you’ll need, let our tech-enabled team know and we’ll make sure your provider sends you a 3-in-1 SIM card, which allows you to select the SIM size that fits your phone or tablet.

Also known as a multi-SIM or combi-SIM, these cards allow you to pop out the SIM from a plastic template, so you can choose the right size for your device. Thee ‘one-size-fits-all’ SIM cards are handy if you let employees use their own devices.

5G is the next generation of mobile data, promising faster speeds of up to 1Gbps (compared to 100Mbps on 4G) that could even leave your business broadband connection for dead. That’s not to say you should your ditch your business broadband though, as the same things that currently impair 4G and 3G speeds - think tall buildings, microwaves and other Wi-Fi signals - will also affect the speed and quality of your 5G connection.

And before you sign up to a 5G deal, consider that not only is it more expensive, but the existing 4G network will probably meet the demands of most businesses. Speak to one of our tech-enabled experts to work out the best option for your business.

No two days are ever the same in business, and there’s no way you can put a figure on the amount of calls you’ll make, the number of texts you’ll send, or the amount of time you’ll spend online.

That’s where an unlimited calls, texts and data SIM only deal comes into its own - as the name suggests, it allows you to make an unlimited number of calls and texts, and spend endless hours online, all for a fixed monthly fee.

Although unlimited business mobile deals often cost a little more up front, they can work out much more cost-effective, especially if you or your employees regularly exceed your monthly mobile limits.

Speak to our tech-enabled experts for more information, and find out if your business could save even more money with unlimited business landline calls and unlimited business broadband.

If you do business abroad, then you’ll need the peace of mind of being able to use your smartphone without getting clobbered by a massive bill when you get back. The good news is that your business mobile deal still offers data roaming within the EU, meaning you can call, text and roam as you would in the UK, at no extra charge.

The bad news is that this could all change when the UK leaves the EU, but we’ll keep you up to speed with any Brexit-enforced changes.

If you need worldwide roaming, to include countries outside the EU, speak to the team at Bionic.

If you're not sure which SIM only deal is best for your business, our tech-enabled experts are on hand to talk through your all of the available options to find you the best business phone line package.

We work with the UK’s biggest networks, including EE, O2 and Vodafone, so you can be sure of unrivalled coverage and quality service. It’s also worth checking out the perks that each offers, such as EE’s BT Sport, Spotify and Apple Music offers, O2’s Rewards and Priority, and Vodafone’s VeryMe Rewards.

To find the best business SIM only mobile deal, just enter your postcode or call 0800 860 6833 to get in touch