Business SIM-only deals: how to choose the right plan

SIM-only is the simplest way to cut your business mobile bill. Here’s how to choose the right network and plan for your team - and what to avoid.

By the AVAIO teamUpdated 1 October 20265 min read

Quick answer

A business SIM-only plan gives you calls, texts and data without a handset, usually for much less than a phone contract. To choose one, check coverage where your team works, how much data each person really uses, whether there’s a contract, and whether you can manage all your lines on one bill. AVAIO offers business SIMs on O2 from £12 and Vodafone from £19.99 per month, plus EE on request - with no contracts.

Key takeaways

SIM-only is usually far cheaper than a handset contract.
Pick the network with the best coverage where you actually work.
Match data allowances to real usage - don’t overpay.
Business SIMs keep numbers in the company’s name and on one bill.

What is a business SIM-only plan?

A SIM-only plan gives you a SIM card with minutes, texts and data, but no phone. You use your existing handsets, or buy phones outright. Because you’re not paying off a handset, SIM-only plans are much cheaper - and you’re free to upgrade phones whenever you like.

Business vs personal SIM: what’s the difference?

The company owns the numbers, so they stay with the business when staff leave.
One bill for every line, with clear reporting.
VAT-registered businesses can usually reclaim the VAT on business lines.
Business support for lost SIMs, bars and number changes.

How to choose the right network

Coverage beats price. A cheap SIM is no use if your engineers lose signal on site. Check each network’s coverage checker for your office, your staff’s home postcodes and the places you visit most. In Kent, coverage can vary a lot between towns and rural areas.

Network	AVAIO price per SIM	Contract
O2	£12 per month + VAT	No contract
Vodafone	£19.99 per month + VAT	No contract
EE	Price on request	Ask us

How much data does your team need?

Look at recent bills to see what each person actually uses. Office-based staff on Wi-Fi often use very little, while field teams using maps, email and hotspots need more. Mixing allowances across the team - rather than giving everyone the biggest plan - is one of the easiest ways to save.

Contract or no contract?

Many business mobile deals tie you in for 24 or 36 months. A contract-free plan lets you add or remove lines as your team changes and move if something better comes along. Our business SIMs have no contracts.

Common mistakes to avoid

Choosing on price alone and ignoring coverage.
Paying for unlimited data nobody uses.
Letting staff use personal numbers for customers.
Signing a long contract just before your team changes size.

How much can you save?

Businesses that move their SIMs to us save 52% on average. Switching is straightforward and you keep your numbers. How to switch and keep your numbers →

Figures checked 1 October 2026. AVAIO prices exclude VAT.