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Business mobile broadband
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- Compare the latest business mobile broadband prices
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Benefits of business mobile broadband
Business mobile broadband may not yet match the speed and performance of leased line or full fibre business broadband, but it offers several distinct advantages.
For businesses seeking flexible connectivity, mobile broadband is a practical alternative to traditional options. It’s particularly popular with small business broadband users, as it allows teams with multiple devices to access high-performance WiFi without installation delays.
Here are the key benefits:
Flexibility and mobility
It lets your employees work from anywhere with a 4G or 5G signal, enhancing productivity and collaboration by enabling remote VoIP solutions.
Quick deployment
Receive your router, plug in your SIM or e-SIM, and off you go. It’s easy to set up and requires no physical infrastructure, making it perfect for temporary sites, emergency situations, or fieldwork.
Cost-effective
While its costs are comparable to fibre optic business broadband, it is cheap when considering its portability and adaptability. It can provide a more budget-friendly solution for connectivity than Starlink or OneWeb.
Reliability
Mobile broadband routers can connect to multiple networks like LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G, providing a backup if one network faces issues. Some routers also offer multiple WAN ports, allowing you to combine mobile and fixed broadband for added broadband redundancy.
Scalability
Mobile broadband is scalable because it can be upgraded or downgraded easily by ordering or cancelling any contracted SIM plans or additional hardware without the need for engineering visits. Twelve-month contracts allow businesses to change their setup on a yearly basis.
Availability
Cellular networks are available to 99% of the UK population, making it the third most widely available broadband type after SoGEA (available to all properties with a landline) and satellite business broadband (accessed from anywhere with a clear view of the sky).
Why choose us for business mobile broadband
Finding the right business mobile broadband can be challenging, but we’re here to make it easy. Whether you need a flexible solution for remote teams, backup connectivity, or an alternative to traditional broadband, we provide expert support to help you choose with confidence.
Here’s why businesses trust us:
Expert advice
Our expert team provides clear, unbiased guidance to help you find the best business mobile broadband for your needs. We’ll explain your options and the most suitable plan for your business.
Trusted providers
We work with leading UK mobile carriers to ensure you get reliable coverage, competitive prices, and the latest technology for your business mobile broadband.
Hassle-free setup
We make setting up your business mobile broadband simple. From comparing deals to activating your service, we handle the details so you can focus on your business.
Choosing business mobile broadband plans
When selecting a business mobile broadband plan, choosing one that offers reliable connectivity and performance to meet your business needs is important. Key factors like coverage, latency, and data flexibility can make all the difference. Here’s what to consider:
Business mobile broadband coverage
Strong business broadband coverage is vital for keeping your team connected on the move. Ensure your provider offers reliable 4G or 5G coverage in the areas where your business operates, allowing you to benefit from high-speeds and low latency.
Flexible data plans
From unlimited data to pay-as-you-go options, choosing a plan and contract length that matches your usage ensures you stay connected without paying for data you don’t need. Also consider whether the plan offers roaming in the countries you need.
Internet security
Ensure your plan offers robust business broadband security such as end-to-end encryption and guest WiFi to protect sensitive business data and ensure secure communications, while providing convenient connectivity to customers.
Business mobile broadband deals
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Small business mobile broadband
For small businesses, mobile broadband offers a flexible and practical way to stay connected. Here are three key reasons why it’s a smart choice:
Quick and easy setup
Get online fast without waiting for engineers or installations. Ideal for new small businesses or temporary setups.
Flexible and cost-effective
With no long-term commitments required, mobile broadband allows small businesses to manage costs and scale their data needs as they grow.
Reliable backup connection
Mobile broadband provides a dependable failover solution, ensuring your business stays online if your primary connection fails.
Business mobile broadband costs
Understanding mobile business broadband prices can help you choose a plan that offers the right balance of cost and performance. Costs vary depending on factors like data limits, contract terms, and additional features. Here’s what to consider when comparing mobile business broadband providers:
💡 At Business Broadband Hub, our connectivity experts can help you find the best deals. Compare business broadband deals today.
Data limits
Plans may offer unlimited data or capped options like 20GB or 30GB. Some apply “soft caps,” reducing speeds instead of cutting off service.
Data speeds
Faster speeds often come at a higher cost. While some plans support full 5G business broadband capabilities, budget options may restrict speeds or limit access to 4G networks.
Roaming
International roaming fees vary between business broadband providers. Some include roaming as standard, while others charge a small daily fee (typically £2-15) based on the territories covered.
Contract length
Longer business broadband contracts are usually cheaper than shorter ones. Common options for business SIM-only deals are 12- or 24-month terms.
Mid-contract price rises
Most business broadband providers schedule annual price increases every April to reflect inflation and rising network costs. These are typically outlined in the contract’s small print.
Hardware and features
Most mobile business broadband contracts include delivering the SIM card and broadband router for free; however, shorter contracts may require an initial delivery fee.
Business mobile broadband speeds
When choosing business mobile broadband, understanding speed requirements is crucial. The speeds you experience will depend on several factors, and selecting the right setup ensures you get the performance your business needs.
What impacts mobile broadband speeds?
The speed of your business mobile broadband is influenced by several key factors:
- 4G vs 5G networks: Connecting to a 5G business broadband network offers faster speeds and lower latency than 4G. If your business operates in a 5G-enabled area, choosing a 5G plan can significantly improve performance.
- Signal strength and location: Your location directly impacts signal quality. Businesses in areas with weaker coverage may experience slower speeds. Signal boosters or positioning your router in a higher, unobstructed position can improve performance.
- Broadband plan limits: Some business broadband providers may restrict bandwidth on lower-cost plans or apply throttling when data limits are reached. Investing in a higher-tier plan with generous data allowances ensures more consistent speeds.
- Device volume: The more devices connected to your router, the slower the speed each device will receive.
- Infrastructure and provider quality: Different mobile carriers rely on varying network infrastructure, which can impact performance.
Mobile broadband speeds by provider
Mobile broadband speeds in the UK generally oscillate between 100 – 150 Mbps download and 25 – 35 Mbps upload speeds.
However, the exact performance you get at your place of work will vary depending on your position relative to the nearest antennas, your hardware, weather conditions, static and moving obstructions, and the service quality of your provider.
This variability makes case-by-case assessments of business mobile broadband necessary.
Nevertheless, an overall quality assessment is necessary, and we found the 2024 nPerf report the most useful. They independently tested mobile service providers in many parts of the country and ranked them according to several metrics:
| Provider | Speed (Download/Upload) | Latency | nPerf Score (Based on speed, latency and UX) | Quote from Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Three | 106.47/14.23 Mbps | 39.05ms | 88566 | Three is at the pinnacle of the UK mobile market. |
| EE | 80.06/14.61 Mbps | 38.12ms | 85277 | EE stands out as a reliable ISP, ensuring high-quality browsing and streaming services for its users. |
| Vodafone | 60.75/11.99 Mbps | 44.03ms | 78259 | Vodafone offers a robust service that caters to a wide range of user needs |
| O2 | 26.91/7.01 Mbps | 37.67ms | 65187 | O2 faces challenges in keeping pace with its competitors [but] has potential for growth |
💡 While it is tempting to simply acquire the top overall performer, you should note that each provider has different coverage, so you must ensure they operate in your area.
Who needs business mobile broadband?
Regardless of size or industry, business mobile broadband can enhance connectivity and improve operations. Here are some common business use cases:
Remote work
Ideal for employees working from home, on-site, or while travelling. Portable routers or dongles can keep entire teams connected, ensuring access to essential tools like business phone lines for seamless communication.
Temporary sites
Perfect for construction sites, events, or pop-up shops where fixed broadband isn’t practical. Connectivity can be achieved immediately and supported by batteries, solar panels, or generators.
Backup connectivity
Acts as a reliable failover during fixed-line outages, reducing downtime and ensuring critical systems, such as business VoIP phone systems, remain operational.
Business mobile broadband security considerations
Securing your business mobile broadband is crucial, especially if it’s used as a primary connection or backup for critical systems. Here are key considerations to keep your network safe:
Use a VPN
A VPN encrypts your data, providing a secure connection for remote workers and safeguarding sensitive information from potential threats.
Opt for a static IP
A Fixed IP data SIM can improve security by allowing you to control and restrict access to your network through trusted devices only.
Use strong passwords
Ensure your router, business dongles, and connected devices have strong, unique passwords to reduce the risk of hacking.
Update firmware regularly
Outdated router firmware can expose your network to vulnerabilities. Regular updates ensure you have the latest security patches.
Enable router security features
Most business routers offer enhanced security settings such as firewalls, content filtering, and password protection. Enabling these features helps prevent unauthorised access.
Monitor network activity
Keep an eye on connected devices and unusual traffic patterns to spot potential security threats early.
Business mobile broadband – FAQs
Our business broadband experts answer commonly asked questions on business mobile broadband in the UK.
What is the difference between residential and business mobile broadband?
While both services use the same network infrastructure, business mobile broadband offers greater reliability and support. It typically includes service level agreements that ensure faster fault resolution and may provide compensation for downtime.
Business broadband users often receive a static IP data SIM, which may be required for secure remote access, while residential plans usually rely on dynamic IP addresses that change regularly.
With these features, business mobile broadband provides greater stability, security, and support for critical operations.
Is mobile business broadband the same as WiFi?
No, they are not the same. Mobile business broadband uses cellular networks (4G/5G) to provide internet access to a router, which then emits a WiFi signal to connect devices locally.
In other words, routers emit a powerful, short-range, high-bandwidth WiFi signal to create your workplace’s local wireless network. Employees and IoT devices connect to this signal, sending and receiving encrypted data through the business broadband router. The router translates the WiFi data into cellular data (4G/5G) and transmits it over the antenna network to the global internet.
Can business mobile broadband support multiple users and devices?
Yes, business mobile broadband can support multiple users and devices. It provides internet access via a cellular network, and the router distributes this connection as a WiFi signal. The capacity to support various connections depends on the router’s specifications and the strength of the cellular signal. Standard routers support 32 devices, while more advanced ones can support up to 64.
How do I manage data usage on business mobile broadband?
To manage data usage on business mobile broadband, start by monitoring usage through your provider’s app or online portal.
Set data limits and alerts to stay within your plan’s allowance. Encourage employees to use data only for essential work and limit data-heavy activities such as streaming and large downloads.
Consider investing SD-WAN management tools to track and optimise usage. Find out more in our complete guide to SD-WAN.
Is mobile broadband better than a hotspot?
This question raises several misconceptions about mobile internet technology, so let’s break it down:
Mobile broadband refers to the internet service provided by cellular networks like 4G and 5G. This could be via a standard plugged-in WiFi router, a portable, battery-powered WiFi router (also referred to as a “dongle” or “hotspot”), or the “hotspot” feature of a mobile device.
Hotspot refers to the capability of a mobile device to emit a WiFi signal using cellular networks or to a purpose-built, portable, battery-powered WiFi router capable of connecting up to 32 devices.
Essentially, both as different aspects of internet connectivity through cellular networks!