Alternatives to Focus Group Business Mobile (2026): Honest Options
Last updated: April 2026
Focus Group is a significant UK business telecoms reseller with a sizeable customer base. For some it works. For others — particularly those who've had renewal surprises or feel their account management has slipped — looking for alternatives is sensible. Here's an honest comparison.
The framework for switching
Before signing a new contract:
- Calculate ETF from your Focus Group contract — see our ETF guide
- Identify what you actually need (see our bill too high audit guide)
- Get quotes from 2-3 alternatives across different networks
- Compare total cost of ownership — not just headline monthly price
Credible alternatives
CTN (Compare The Networks)
Specialist business mobile reseller quoting across EE, Vodafone, O2 and Three. Strong EU inclusive international and 83-country roaming as standard. UK-based account management. Typical £22-30/user/month on 36-month terms.
Best for: businesses wanting wider inclusive international than most direct networks offer, plus named UK support.
O2 Business
Direct from network. Roam at Home as standard on most business tariffs — inclusive EU roaming. Strong London and urban coverage. Simpler plan structure than many resellers.
Best for: mostly-UK businesses wanting simple EU roaming coverage.
EE Business
Direct from network. Best UK coverage particularly rural. EU roaming via daily fees unless on specific inclusive plan.
Best for: businesses prioritising UK coverage over international.
Vodafone Business
Direct. Good for larger enterprises (50+ SIMs) via Vodafone Business enterprise account management. Vodafone One integration with VoIP.
Best for: larger businesses wanting integrated voice/mobile.
Other specialist resellers
Smaller UK business mobile specialists exist (Onecom, Daisy, various regional players). Quality varies. Only worth comparing if they have genuine specialist fit for your needs.
Specific things to check
When comparing Focus Group against alternatives, verify for each:
- Exact monthly price per SIM — broken out by tariff line
- Inclusive international calls — which countries; Switzerland, Turkey, EEA all separate questions
- Inclusive roaming — which destinations; fair-use caps
- Annual increase amount — must be fixed £/month under OFCOM 2025 rules
- Contract length — 36-month standard; some 12 and 24-month options
- Early termination fee formula
- Named account manager — not "customer service team"
- Escalation route when things go wrong
What Focus Group customers often report
Typical pain points we hear in discussions:
- Complex bill structures — hard to decipher exactly what's in the monthly total
- Account manager turnover — contact changes frequently
- Slow response times on technical issues
- Renewal surprises — auto-renewal pricing higher than new-customer pricing
- International inclusion misunderstandings — what was said at sale vs what's in the contract
Not unique to Focus Group — similar patterns across larger resellers. The test is: does the provider's behaviour match what they promised?
If Focus Group delivers what was agreed: stay, especially if ETF is significant. If it doesn't: document the specifics, complain formally, consider CISAS, and get alternative quotes ready for when the contract ends.
Existing CTN Focus Group content
If you're experiencing specific Focus Group issues, see our more detailed write-ups:
- Focus Group early termination fee
- Focus Group complaints and CISAS
- Focus Group no cooling-off period
- Focus Group contract problems
These provide more specific guidance for customers currently dealing with issues rather than looking at general alternatives.
FAQs
Can I leave Focus Group mid-contract?
Yes, but you'll owe the early termination fee — typically the remaining monthly charges for the rest of the term. Full 36-month contract with 18 months remaining and 20 SIMs at £25/month = around £9,000 ETF. Unless you have documented breach or mis-selling grounds, the ETF applies.
What's the best alternative to Focus Group for multi-site businesses?
For multi-site group accounts: CTN (specialist reseller with per-site cost allocation) or Vodafone Business (enterprise account management). Both handle multi-site under single accounts with named contacts and per-branch reporting.
Do CTN's tariffs include what Focus Group calls "All You Can Eat" data?
CTN's tariffs use standard UK allowances (25GB, 50GB, 100GB) on 36-month terms. "Unlimited" UK data is available — always check fair-use caps. Some Focus Group all-you-can-eat plans have similar caps in practice.
How do I know what Focus Group's actual ETF will be?
Request from Focus Group directly — they'll confirm the current termination cost. Or review your contract's termination clause. If they won't disclose or the terms are unclear, that's potentially a dispute point in its own right.
Will CTN cover some of my Focus Group ETF?
In appropriate circumstances yes — we credit some outgoing ETF against first months' bills with us. Varies by contract value, volume and specifics. Ask at quote stage.
Getting help
Call 01743 598025 or request a quote. Free contract review — we'll tell you honestly whether switching now or waiting to renewal is the better move.
Related pages
Leaving Focus Group? Let's review your options
Free contract review. Honest assessment of switch-now-with-ETF vs wait-to-renewal. ETF credits where applicable.
Free reviewAlternatives to Focus Group
Free contract review. ETF credits where applicable. Honest advice.
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