When it comes to business phone solutions, O2 stands as a reliable and well-known provider in the UK. Whether you’re a small start-up or a large enterprise, O2 offers tailored solutions to help businesses stay connected. In this review, we will explore the key products offered by O2 Business, list their pricing, and weigh up the pros and cons, so you can determine whether O2 is the right provider for your business needs.
O2 business phone products
O2 provides a range of solutions to meet the needs of businesses of different sizes, from mobile phones to complete telecom packages. Here’s an overview of their main offerings:
Product | Price (from) | Key Features | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|---|
Business Mobile Plans | £19.00 per month | Unlimited calls & texts, data options from 5GB to unlimited | Customisable plans, strong network coverage, international options | Can be expensive with add-ons, long-term contracts |
O2 Business Essentials | £11.00 per month | SIM-only, data allowances up to unlimited, unlimited calls & texts | Affordable, flexible data plans, SIM-only option | Limited to existing devices, additional services can be costly |
O2 Landline and Office Solutions | £15.00 per user per month | Hosted VoIP, Office 365 integration | Cost-effective VoIP, integrates with Office 365 | Dependent on internet, variable call quality with poor connection |
Device Bundles | £48.00 per month | Smartphone bundles with contracts, e.g. iPhone 15 from £48/month | Comprehensive device + contract packages | Expensive for smaller businesses, long-term contracts |
O2 Just Call Me | Free with O2 business plans | Unlimited participants, no PINs or access codes, simple call management | Simple, mobile-based, no extra cost, easy to set up | Limited features, network-dependent, lacks advanced conferencing tools |
1. Business mobile plans
O2 offers business mobile contracts that come with various data, call, and text allowances, along with flexible add-ons. These plans allow businesses to keep their teams connected while managing costs.
- Small Business Plans (for 1–9 employees):
- Prices: Starting from £19.00 per month
- Includes unlimited calls and texts, with data options ranging from 5GB to unlimited.
- Medium and Large Business Plans (for 10+ employees):
- Prices: Starting from £25.00 per month
- Includes unlimited calls, texts, and data, along with additional support for managing multiple lines.
2. O2 Business Essentials
This is O2’s SIM-only option, perfect for businesses that already have devices but need reliable network coverage and support.
- Prices: Starting from £11.00 per month
- Plans include various data allowances (e.g., 5GB, 25GB, or unlimited), with the same benefits of unlimited calls and texts.
3. O2 Landline and Office Solutions
O2 offers hosted business phone systems and internet services to create a complete office communication package. Their landline solutions are based on VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), which is an ideal cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes.
- O2 Office 365 integration (supports cloud collaboration)
- O2 VOIP Phones: Prices vary based on package and number of users, starting from £15 per user per month.
4. Device Bundles
O2 also offers device bundles that include smartphones, tablets, and accessories, suitable for different business needs. These can be integrated with business phone contracts.
- Example: iPhone 16 bundle with business contract
- Price: From £48.00 per month (24-month contract with 10GB data)
5. O2 Just Call Me
O2’s Just Call Me is a virtual conference call service designed for businesses that require simple, on-the-go communication without the need for traditional dial-ins or complicated software. This solution is especially useful for businesses with mobile teams or remote workers, providing a seamless way to hold meetings and group calls directly from your mobile.
- Price: Included free with O2 business mobile plans.
- How it works: The service allows you to set up a conference call using your existing mobile number. Instead of requiring PINs or access codes, team members simply dial your mobile number, and the system automatically connects them to the group call.
Key features:
- No need for separate dial-ins or conference lines.
- Unlimited participants can join the call.
- Simple call management—just answer the phone as normal when someone dials in.
- Callers only need to know your mobile number, reducing complexity.
Pros of O2 business phone solutions
- Strong network coverage: O2 has widespread network coverage across the UK, ensuring reliable service in most locations.
- Customisable plans: O2 offers flexible options, allowing businesses to tailor their phone contracts to their needs, whether it’s for small teams or large organisations.
- 24/7 customer support: O2 offers around-the-clock customer support for its business users, ensuring that issues are dealt with promptly.
- Inclusive international options: Some business plans come with international calls and roaming included, which is beneficial for businesses operating globally or dealing with overseas clients.
- Data sharing: O2 allows for data sharing across multiple users, which can help control costs and simplify management for businesses with multiple mobile users.
Cons of O2 business phone solutions
- Cost for additional services: While the base plans are competitively priced, additional services like roaming beyond Europe or extra data can become expensive.
- Network congestion in busy areas: Like all major networks, O2 can experience congestion in densely populated areas, which may cause slower data speeds at peak times.
- Long-term contracts: Some of O2’s more comprehensive business packages lock you into 24-month contracts, which may not be ideal for businesses looking for short-term flexibility.
Getting the best prices
When considering O2 business phone solutions, it’s essential to account for potential hidden fees and explore ways to get the best prices. Here’s a breakdown of the key cost factors to watch for and tips to ensure you’re maximising your savings:
Hidden fees to watch out for
- Roaming and international usage:
While some O2 business plans include international calling or roaming, using your phone outside the UK (especially beyond Europe) can lead to additional charges. Always check the fine print of your plan to understand the limits on international use. - Data overage charges:
If your business exceeds its data allowance, overage fees can quickly add up. O2 offers unlimited data plans, but for capped plans, monitor data usage carefully or consider shared data plans to prevent unexpected charges. - Contract termination fees:
O2 offers 24-month contracts for many business products, which could lead to hefty early termination fees if you need to exit the contract before its term is up. Make sure to clarify the costs of early exit before signing up. - Out-of-bundle usage:
Additional services, like premium rate numbers, international calls (not included in your plan), or extra support services, may come with higher rates. Be mindful of these if your business frequently makes use of out-of-bundle options.
Discounts and special offers
- Multi-line discounts:
O2 offers multi-line savings for businesses with several employees. As your team grows, you may benefit from reduced rates on additional lines. Check whether bundling multiple phones under one plan or account can lower overall costs. - Device trade-in schemes:
O2’s ‘O2 Recycle’ programme allows businesses to trade in old devices for cash or credit. This is a useful way to offset the cost of upgrading to new smartphones or tablets. - Seasonal promotions:
O2 occasionally offers discounts and promotions on business mobile plans, especially around major events like Black Friday or at the start of a new financial year. Keeping an eye on these promotions can help reduce your telecom expenses. - Employee benefits:
Businesses that partner with O2 can sometimes access discounted plans for employees, especially if using O2’s Business Essentials or device bundles. Make sure to inquire about any discounts for company-wide mobile plans.
Tips for getting the best prices
- Negotiate contracts:
O2’s business solutions are often negotiable, particularly if your company is looking for a comprehensive telecoms package or if you’re planning to add multiple users. Don’t hesitate to negotiate for a better deal or request custom pricing tailored to your business needs. - Bundle services:
If your business requires both mobile and office phone services, bundling them together can lead to savings. Combining O2’s landline solutions, Office 365, and mobile plans into one package may reduce overall costs compared to buying each separately. - Monitor usage:
Regularly assess your business’s usage patterns. If you find you’re overpaying for unused data or calling features, contact O2 to adjust your plan accordingly. Conversely, if your team often exceeds its limits, upgrading to a higher-tier plan may be more cost-effective in the long run. - Look for long-term offers:
While O2’s long-term contracts (24 months) may seem restrictive, they often come with better rates compared to shorter-term options. If your business is in a stable position, committing to a longer contract can yield substantial savings.
Is O2 the right choice for your business?
O2 Business is a solid choice for companies seeking robust mobile and telecom solutions. It stands out for its strong coverage, flexible plans, and reliable customer service.
While it may not always be the cheapest option, the ability to customise solutions for your business and the added benefits like international roaming make it an attractive option for many UK businesses.
However, the long-term commitment required for some plans and the potential for higher costs with additional services might not suit every company.
In conclusion, O2 business phone solutions are best suited for businesses looking for flexible, high-coverage mobile solutions with strong customer support. For those who need simple, cost-effective options with minimal extras, it might be worth comparing O2’s offerings with other providers to ensure you’re getting the best value.
FAQ – O2 Business pricing review
O2 Business plans typically come with a minimum contract length of 24 months. However, some SIM-only or custom contracts may offer shorter durations. Always check the terms for your specific plan, as early termination can result in additional fees.
While O2 Business is transparent with its pricing, additional costs can arise from data overage, international calls, and roaming charges outside Europe. Early termination fees and out-of-bundle usage are also common. It’s essential to review the details of your plan to avoid surprises.
Yes, O2 Business provides multi-line discounts for businesses with several users. The more lines you add to your account, the bigger the potential savings. It’s ideal for growing businesses that need scalable solutions for employees and teams.
O2 Business allows bundling of services, such as mobile, VoIP, and office solutions, which can reduce overall costs. Combining multiple telecom services under one provider can lead to streamlined billing and potentially lower rates, especially for larger companies.
Yes, O2 Business offers unlimited data plans, providing a flexible option for businesses with high data usage. These plans come with unlimited calls and texts, ensuring that your team can stay connected without worrying about exceeding data limits.
O2 Business contracts typically include early termination fees if you exit before the agreed contract length. The cost of termination is usually calculated based on the remaining months of the contract and can be a significant expense, so review your contract before signing.
O2 Business offers some plans that include European roaming at no additional cost. However, charges may apply for roaming outside of Europe, depending on your plan. It’s crucial to confirm international rates before travelling to avoid unexpected roaming fees.
Yes, O2 Business offers a trade-in scheme through O2 Recycle. You can trade in old devices for cash or account credit, which can be used to offset the cost of new devices. This is a great way to upgrade to new equipment at a reduced cost.
O2 Business frequently runs seasonal promotions, especially around major shopping events like Black Friday or the start of the new financial year. These promotions can include discounts on plans, devices, or added features, making it a good time to switch or upgrade.
Yes, O2 Business can offer custom pricing for larger organisations with specific telecom needs. These tailored plans often come with bulk discounts, additional support, and bespoke features, making them ideal for enterprises that need flexible and scalable communication solutions.