How to get a business mobile phone contract

The steps at a glance

1. Decide lines and devices: who needs a phone, a data SIM or a hotspot, and which devices.
2. Check coverage: use each network's coverage checker for your sites and test indoors.
3. Gather business details: company number or sole trader details, address, bank details and an authorised contact.
4. Choose network and plan: match data, roaming and features to each user.
5. Port your numbers: request PAC codes and plan the switch date.
6. Set up devices: eSIM, device management and enrolment.
7. Go live: hand out phones, check every line works and close old accounts.

The sections below explain each step. If you would rather hand the legwork to someone else, contact us and we will take you through it.

1. Decide lines and devices

Start with a simple list of everyone who needs mobile service, and what for. Include:

• Staff who need a phone line, and the phones they use or will use, including any particular operating system or rugged phone
• Devices that need data only: tablets, laptops, routers, card terminals or cameras
• Existing numbers you want to keep, and who holds those contracts now
• Heavy travellers who need roaming
• Anyone who would prefer a work number on their own phone

Our guides to mobile phones for business, business data SIMs and getting a business mobile number help with each decision. Phones are bought separately, outright or through your usual procurement, so you choose when to refresh them; our sister site also covers business SIM only plans.

2. Check coverage where you work

Coverage is the most important factor in choosing a network and the hardest to change later. Use each network's own postcode coverage checker for your offices, sites, staff home addresses and regular routes, then test on site with a phone on that network, inside the building as well as outside. Thick walls and basements can make a big difference.

If indoor signal is weak, Wi-Fi Calling lets compatible phones make calls over your Wi-Fi. Our business mobile coverage guide explains the options in more detail.

3. Gather your business details and pass the credit check

The network runs a business credit check before it opens the account. Have these ready:

• Limited companies and LLPs: registered name, Companies House registration number and registered address
• Sole traders and partnerships: trading name and address, plus personal details for the owner or partners, as the network may check these too
• Bank details for the monthly direct debit
• An authorised contact who can order, change and cancel lines on the account
• VAT number if you are VAT registered, so invoices show the VAT you can reclaim

New businesses with little trading history may be approved for fewer lines at first. The network makes the credit decision, not us; we can help you present the information clearly.

4. Choose a network and plan

With coverage results in hand, pick the network and then the plan for each user. Think about how much data each person really uses (last year's bills are the best guide), whether shared data would suit the team, roaming needs, spend caps and contract length. Our guides to business mobile phone plans and business mobile phone providers cover the choices.

Forever Communications supplies EE Business and Three Business, and can also supply O2 Business and Vodafone Business, so we can quote on more than one network, with each network's terms on price changes and early exit set out in your quote.

5. Port your numbers

To keep existing mobile numbers, you need a Porting Authorisation Code (PAC) for each one:

1. Text PAC to 65075 from the number you want to keep. The code is valid for 30 days. On a business account, the account holder or authorised contact may need to request it.
2. Text INFO to 85075 first if you want to check any charges for ending your current contract.
3. Give the PAC codes to your new network or to us with your order and agree a switch date.
4. The receiving network normally completes the switch within one working day of the request. Your old service ends when the number moves.

If a number has already been disconnected, it can usually still be ported for up to 31 days after disconnection. To leave a network without keeping a number, text STAC to 75075.

6. Set up eSIM and device management

Before phones reach staff, decide how they will be set up and secured. Business eSIM avoids posting physical SIMs and suits remote starters. Device management lets you apply screen-lock and update policies, push apps and wipe lost phones; our guide to mobile device management software explains the options.

For new devices, zero-touch enrolment means phones enrol into your management platform as soon as they are switched on. It needs setting up before the order is placed, so raise it early. We can help set it up.

7. Go live

On switch day, check that every line makes and receives calls, sends texts and uses data, that ported numbers work and that voicemail and Wi-Fi Calling are set up. Confirm that old accounts are closed and final bills are correct. Then make sure everyone knows the rules in your company mobile phone policy.

Pricing depends on the network, the number of lines and the term, so ask us for a quote. Contact us to get started.

Checklist: what to have ready

Use this as a quick checklist before you request quotes or place an order:

Common delays and how to avoid them

Most delays in getting a business mobile contract up and running come from a few predictable places:

• Credit check queries: mismatched addresses or a new company record can slow approval, so make sure your details match Companies House
• Expired PAC codes: a PAC is valid for 30 days, so request codes close to your planned switch date
• Contracts held by individuals: numbers on an employee's personal contract need that person to request the PAC
• Device stock: if you are buying new phones, popular models can be in short supply at launch, so have a second choice in mind
• Late enrolment set-up: zero-touch enrolment has to be arranged before devices are ordered
• Unclear ownership: agree up front who in your business approves orders and changes

We can help you avoid these when we handle an order for you, but the network's own processes set the timetable.