A business mobile agreement can combine airtime, handsets, device finance, support and management. The headline monthly price is not enough to compare offers. Read the legal customer, every minimum term, ownership position, exit charge and service commitment.
Business protections vary by size
Ofcom summarises protections in three layers:
- rights applying to all business customers;
- additional requirements for SMEs with fewer than 250 employees;
- further protections for business customers with no more than 10 employees.
For example, Ofcom says businesses with ten employees or fewer should receive written contract information and a contract summary before consenting, and their contract length should not exceed 24 months unless the applicable rules permit otherwise. Confirm how the provider has classified the organisation.
Normalise every quote
| Item | Question |
|---|---|
| Price | Is it inclusive or exclusive of VAT, and what mandatory charges are omitted? |
| Term | Are airtime, device finance and support on the same end date? |
| Price changes | What exact increases or change rights are written into the contract? |
| Ownership | Does the business own, finance, lease or return each handset? |
| Exit | What charges apply to each line, device and service? |
| Support | What SLA, response time, loan device or compensation is contractual? |
| Changes | Can lines, users or allowances change without restarting the term? |
Do not assume consumer cooling-off rights
If the agreement is entered into for business purposes, do not assume the ordinary consumer distance-cancellation rules apply. Ask for any cancellation period in writing before accepting a telephone, online or reseller quote.
Price changes and contract changes
Ofcom's current business guidance says all businesses should receive at least one month's notice of a contract change that is not to their benefit and an option to exit penalty-free under the relevant General Conditions. That is different from an increase already and transparently built into the agreed contract. Check the full wording and the specific Ofcom condition that applies.
Switching and complaints
Keep PAC or STAC processes, porting dates and early termination separate for each number. Ofcom's ADR guidance currently allows eligible small businesses with up to 10 employees to use an approved scheme after an unresolved complaint has lasted at least six weeks, or earlier with a deadlock letter.
Before signing
- Obtain the contract summary and full contract information.
- List every line, device and term.
- Calculate the total price including VAT where applicable.
- Confirm guarantees and personal liability.
- Test coverage in operational locations.
- Ask the provider to mark every negotiated promise in the final contract.
Related guidance: This check sits within Buying a Phone. The Complete Phone Buying Guide covers the broader decision from start to finish.
Sources checked
Information checked on 26 July 2026. This is general UK guidance, not legal, tax or security advice. Terms, complaint routes and platform features can change, so confirm the current wording before acting.
