Business Phone Contracts UK
A business phone contract gives your company mobile lines on a business account, with calls, texts and data for each user and, if you need them, phones included. Compare The Networks compares business phone contracts from EE, O2, Vodafone and Three, so you can see the options side by side before you sign.
Get a free business phone contract quote, or read on for what a contract includes and what to check.
What is a business phone contract?
A business phone contract is a mobile contract taken out in the name of a business rather than an individual. It usually covers:
- Airtime for each line. Unlimited UK calls and texts on most plans, with a data allowance per user or shared across the account.
- Phones, if you want them. A handset contract spreads the cost of each phone across the term. A SIM only contract covers airtime only, for teams that already have suitable phones.
- A business account. One bill for every line, VAT invoices, and tools to add lines, set spend caps and manage SIMs.
- Business support. A business customer service route for faults, lost phones and replacement SIMs.
Sole traders, partnerships and limited companies can all take out business phone contracts. VAT-registered businesses can normally reclaim the VAT on the bill.
How long are business phone contracts?
Business phone contracts arranged through Compare The Networks run for a minimum of 24 months. Contracts that include a handset can run for longer, so check the term for every line.
What the term means for you:
- A settled monthly charge. The price for each line is set out at the start.
- Price rises stated up front. New contracts must set out any annual price rise in pounds and pence, so you know the cost for each year of the term before you sign.
- Early termination charges. Ending a line before the minimum term finishes normally triggers a charge. Your contract explains how it is calculated.
- An end-of-contract review. Ofcom rules require providers to tell residential and small business customers when their minimum term is ending. That is the time to compare again. See our guide to business mobile end of contract.
Handset contract or SIM only?
| Handset contract | SIM only contract | |
|---|---|---|
| What you get | Phone plus airtime on one monthly charge | Airtime only |
| Upfront cost | Low or none, depending on the phone | None for airtime; you supply the phones |
| Best for | Teams that need new phones and want to spread the cost | Teams with phones that still work well |
| Watch for | Total cost of the phone across the term | Phones must be unlocked and compatible |
Many businesses mix both on one account: SIM only for staff with good phones, handset contracts for staff who need an upgrade. For phone-specific options, see business iPhone deals and corporate iPhone deals and offers.
What to compare in a business phone contract
Use the same requirements for every quote, so you compare like with like:
| What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Coverage at your locations | Check every office, site and home-working address on each network's own coverage checker |
| Total contract cost | Add any upfront charge to every monthly payment across the full term |
| Annual price rises | Compare the pounds and pence amounts and the month they apply |
| Data per user or shared | Match allowances to real usage, or share data across the account |
| Roaming | Which countries are included, any daily charges and fair use limits |
| Adding and changing lines | How new lines are added mid-term and whether their end dates align |
| Early termination charges | How the charge is worked out if a line ends early |
| Support and account tools | Who you call, how faults are handled and how SIMs are replaced |
Business phone contracts by network
All four UK networks with their own infrastructure sell business contracts. Which suits you depends mainly on coverage where your team works.
- EE. Owned by BT Group. BT Business mobile plans also use the EE network. See EE business mobile deals.
- O2. Run by Virgin Media O2. See O2 business mobile deals and contracts.
- Vodafone. Vodafone and Three merged in 2025 to form VodafoneThree, and the Vodafone brand continues for business customers. See Vodafone business mobile deals.
- Three. Three Business continues under the Three brand within VodafoneThree. See Three business mobile deals.
To see all four side by side, compare business mobile deals.
How to switch business phone contract and keep your numbers
- Check your current contract. Find the minimum term end date and any early termination charges.
- Get quotes. Compare written offers on the networks that cover your locations.
- Request PAC codes. Text PAC to 65075 from each mobile, or ask your provider for PACs for multiple lines. A PAC is valid for 30 days.
- Give the PACs to your new provider. Numbers usually move the next working day, and your old service ends when they do.
- Swap SIMs or install eSIMs when the new lines go live.
How Compare The Networks helps
Tell us how many lines you need, how your team uses their phones and where they work. We compare options from EE, O2, Vodafone and Three, explain the written terms and help with the switch, including number porting. The comparison is free and there is no obligation.
Get your free business phone contract quote
Frequently asked questions
How long is a business phone contract?
Business phone contracts arranged through Compare The Networks run for a minimum of 24 months. Contracts that include a phone can run for longer. Your written contract sets out the end date for each line.
Can a sole trader get a business phone contract?
Yes. Sole traders can take out business phone contracts. You may be asked for proof of trading and will usually go through a credit check.
Is a business phone contract cheaper than a personal one?
Not always on the headline price, but business contracts are quoted for the business and VAT-registered businesses can normally reclaim the VAT on the bill. Business accounts also bring one bill for every line and business support.
Can I leave a business phone contract early?
You can, but an early termination charge normally applies if a line ends before its minimum term. Check how the charge is calculated before you switch.
Can I keep my numbers when I change business phone contract?
Yes. Request a PAC for each number and give it to your new provider. Numbers usually move the next working day.
Can I mix SIM only and handset contracts on one account?
Yes. Most business accounts can hold both, so each person gets the option that suits them.