A new survey from Three UK claims to reveal that SMEs believe mobile technology and internet access (mobile broadband) is better on their mobiles phones than on other devices, while 23% still find mobile tariffs to be complicated. As such the operator has launched a three new 4G plans called ‘Simply Business‘.
The research itself was conducted by Norstat on behalf of Three UK, which surveyed 1,000 UK small business decision makers during May 2018. The results found 81% agreed that the latest smartphones fulfilled most of their business needs. Most SMEs also said that their mobile phone was “very important” for their job (63%), whereas only about 51% said the same for their laptop or 49% for their desktop computer.
Admittedly it’s unclear from the limited context whether all of those questioned were doing jobs that actually needed a proper computer. Generally speaking mobiles are very good for many quick tasks but anything that involves a fair bit of writing or more complicated work tends to benefit from a laptop or desktop.
Perhaps of more interest is the fact that over a quarter (26%) said that they now have “more reliable or faster internet” on their Smartphone compared to their fixed line internet, which we assume to be a comparison with home connectivity rather than the office but it could be either. As usual there are complex issues of network availability, personal service choice and traffic management to consider but sadly Three UK didn’t go into more depth.
In any case the operator has used this survey to help launch three new Simply Business mobile plans. We’ve pasted a summary of their 4G SIM Only options below. All of the plans include ‘Feel At Home‘ (free roaming in 71 destinations), a 24 month contract term and unlimited minutes + texts.
Simply Business 2GB (2GB via Tethering)
PRICE: £7.50 +vat a monthSimply Business 20GB (20GB via Tethering) + Go Binge
PRICE: £12.50 +vat a monthSimply Business 40GB (30GB via Tethering) + Go Binge
PRICE: £17.50 +vat a month
Richard Woodward, Three UK’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “From young start-ups, to microbusinesses, to local family firms, Simply Business allows SMEs to keep their business connected and their costs down by offering more data to meet their growth.”
Let me guess, they also charge a lot less than 50p per MB over your allowance?
Should be 1p per MB.
*Just double checked and it seems since June 18th they now cap usage and can only continue to use more if you buy an addon, like with EE, unclear regarding older plans but seems to suggest they didn’t have domestic data overuse charges either, not sure how far back though.
They do seem to charge 0.50p/MB for EU roaming for usage over 12GB.
Good but for international roaming without extra charge
Hmmmm we used to pay £12 a month with 700 inclusive minutes, 1000 texts and Unlimited data including tethering with Three Business. It appears they have a different strategy now with these new plans.
I live in France where pricing is much more aimed towards the consumer …..for 20 euros a month I can get 100 GB allowance and unlimited calls with free telecom ………….UK you are just greedy
get off our UK website then frenchy