Independent Business Mobile Supplier vs Mobile Network: Which One Should I Choose?

For the majority of business owners, having access to reliable mobile connectivity is crucial. No matter if you have remote workers or your team requires on-the-go access, having the right mobile solution in place can be the key to efficiency. When it comes to choosing a mobile solution for your business, you generally have two options: go directly to a mobile network provider such as Vodafone, EE, O2, or Three, or choose to work with a business mobile supplier such as Croft. Each comes with their benefits and drawbacks. The choice you end up making will be influenced by the size of your business, budget, and the amount of flexibility you need. 

In this blog we will cover the benefits and drawbacks of both options, so you can discover what option will suit your business and team the best. 

What are the Differences Between a Mobile Supplier and a Mobile Network?

Mobile Networks

Mobile networks own the infrastructure that is used to provide mobile communications. In the UK the main suppliers include Vodafone, EE, O2, and Three. These mobile networks also supply off-the-shelf packages that include SIM cards, data allowances, voice and text plans, and mobile handsets.

Mobile Suppliers

An independent mobile supplier acts as a broker between your business and the mobile networks. A mobile supplier will not own any infrastructure, but instead they will work with multiple mobile networks so you can access the best deals. Because of this, they can tailor plans to suit your requirements using multiple network offerings, acting as your personal account manager. 

Benefits of Going Directly with a Mobile Network

Going direct to a mobile network provider can make sense for certain businesses.  

1. Cut Out the Middleman

You cut out the middleman by handling your own account and contracts with a familiar, established business that you may already use for your personal mobile communications. 

2. Priority Access to Devices

If you value having access to the latest devices as soon as they are launched, a mobile network provider maybe better suited to your needs. Vodafone, EE, O2, or Three will often benefit from priority access to new devices. 

3. Cheaper Tariffs

Going direct with the networks can result in basic off-the-shelf packages that are cheaper compared to a mobile supplier. If low-price tariffs are what your business is after, this could be a suitable option. It can come with drawbacks that you need to consider.  

Drawbacks of Going Directly to a Mobile Network

For all the benefits of choosing to partner directly with a mobile network, there are some drawbacks. 

1. Just Another Number

As mobile networks deal with millions of customers, there is the potential that you will become just another number within their service queue while your business grinds to a halt. 

2. No Single-Point-Of-Contact

If you have any issues, you won’t benefit from priority support and a single-point-of-contact-service. 

3. One Single Network Provider

Choosing one single mobile network provider means if their coverage isn’t ideal or their pricing is expensive, there isn’t any flexibility to change. 

4. Only Standard Plan Access

You’ll only have access to standard plans and contracts that can’t be tailored to your business’s specific needs. 

Benefits of Choosing an Independent Mobile Supplier

Independent business mobile suppliers are there to make your life easier and will put the needs of your business first, ensuring you always get the best deal. 

1. Flexibility Across Multiple Networks

Instead of being locked into one mobile network provider, an independent supplier will give you access to all of the major networks. This means your employees can use the network that offers the best coverage for their location without having to worry about black spots. 

2. Tailored Business Packages

An independent mobile supplier will understand that the needs of each business are different. They will take time to understand your usage and the way your team works to help tailor packages that work especially for you. 

3. Dedicated Account Management

This is where independent mobile suppliers come into their own! Instead of being one of millions fighting to speak to a call centre, you get a single dedicated point of contact. Your account manager will resolve issues quickly, provide advice, and review your account as you grow to ensure you’re getting the best value. 

4. Cost Savings

Mobile suppliers are there to make sure every penny you spend provides your business with value by understanding your usage. They analyse your usage before recommending a tariff to ensure overspend is kept to a minimum and costs are predictable. A mobile supplier will add spend caps to connections to capture excessive usage and stop overage charges from escalating.

5. Simplicity

Managing multiple contracts and billing can be time-consuming and frustrating. Using an independent mobile supplier means you benefit from one bill, one contract, and one contact. Who doesn’t like life to be simple and straightforward? 

6. Easy Scalability

Unlike mobile networks, independent mobile suppliers make it easy to scale your mobile solutions depending on the growth or circumstances of your business. You’ll have a degree of flexibility over your usage across contract terms, data allowances, and bundling services. 

7. Innovative Technology

If you are looking for a provider that is always on top of new technologies, an independent mobile supplier is for you. They will be nimble enough to offer the latest solutions across unified communications, VoIP, mobile management and security tools. A trusted mobile supplier will always ensure you have the competitive edge. 

8. Not Just Mobiles!

Many mobile suppliers will be able to offer more than just business mobiles. You’ll be able to benefit from Managed IT Services and Support, Communications and Connectivity along with Business Mobile Services. This means you can have your entire business IT and communications with one supplier, offering a more integrated approach. 

Drawbacks of Choosing an Independent Mobile Supplier

As with any option, there are always a few things you need to consider when choosing to work with an independent mobile supplier. 

1. Additional Middle Layer

You will not deal directly with the network; a middleman will manage your relationship with the supplier. If you prefer working directly with a company, this may not suit your business. 

2. Inconsistent Service

Not all mobile suppliers provide the exceptional service they initially promise. It’s key to do your research so you can choose a supplier that can meet your business requirements. Review their testimonials on Trustpilot or Google, read their case studies and look at their mobile clients to see if they are a suitable supplier.   

Which One is Right for My Business?

Let’s address the main question that this blog set out to answer: 

Independent Business Mobile Supplier vs Mobile Network: Which One Should I Choose? 

Why Going Direct Doesn’t Always Make Sense

We’ve seen clients, such as WilmerHale, initially believe that going direct to a mobile network would save them time and money by cutting out the middleman. In reality, when making the switch they experienced issues porting numbers which resulted in lost lines and mismatched SIM cards. Fortunately, Croft was on hand to step in with a tailored recovery plan to ensure uninterrupted connectivity. 

As with most things, the decision to go direct depends on the circumstances of your business. Going direct to a mobile network might be beneficial, but it’s worth remembering the time it can take to manage a mobile account, especially when things go wrong. 

Sole Traders and Micro Businesses

If you are a sole trader or micro business with basic requirements, and you’re happy staying with one network, you may prefer to manage your own account. In this case, partnering with a mobile network provider could be your best choice. 

SMEs and Larger Businesses

Whereas, if you are a larger organisation that wants cost-effective solutions that can easily scale as you grow, a business mobile supplier might be better suited to your circumstances. 

A business mobile supplier will provide you with dedicated account management and support, helping to simplify admin and consolidate billing. You’ll also benefit from tailored plans and additional flexibility across multiple networks. This means you’ll always get the best deals available without paying for extras you don’t need. It’s in the interest of an independent mobile supplier to look out for your bottom line to ensure your business success. 

Why Choose Croft as Your Mobile Supplier?

One Support Team

IT, communications, connectivity, and mobiles all perform at their best when they are managed holistically. With Croft as your main provider, we will collaborate across the board to deliver the right services and resolve any support issues quickly, keeping your business running with minimal disruption. 

One Contact

You will have access to a committed account manager with Croft who will take the time to learn about your company and be prepared to provide guidance and address any issues. Their role is to simplify mobile solutions and eliminate obstacles so you can continue to concentrate on your business. 

One Bill

Having all your technology included in one bill helps to reduce the hassle of managing multiple suppliers and invoices. It allows you to track spending and forecast costs with ease, allowing you to stay in control. Our billing portal gives you full visibility of your contract; you can set limits and alerts, view real-time reports and usage, review past spend, and much more. 

Collaborative Success

Clients, like WilmerHale, choose Croft to manage their mobile solutions, as they understand the industry expertise and influence that we have. They no longer waste time speaking to multiple people at the networks or troubleshooting issues after experiencing the cost of going direct. 

By collaborating seamlessly with you, we remove the potential for lost time, service disruptions, and frustration. Our services aren’t as cheap as the off-the shelf tariffs from the networks, but we deliver far greater value. 

Want to partner with a trusted business mobile provider? Contact Croft. 

For more information contact us, view our Business Mobile Services page, or read our case study on how we supported WilmerHale with their mobile fleet.