Debunking 8 myths the big mobile networks want your business to believe
Discover the truth behind the big mobile network myths – and how Honest Mobile's business SIM plans offer a hassle-free alternative.
When it comes to your team’s work phones, deciphering contracts, managing SIMs and meeting your employees’ needs can feel tricky.
Work phones are just one of a million things on your plate. Your mobile network should be making things easier, not harder.
But over time, the big networks have blurred the lines between myth and reality.
So we’re clearing the fog once and for all. Here are 8 myths the big mobile networks want you to believe, busted.
Myth 1: Confusion comes as standard with mobile contracts
As much as the big networks would love you to believe otherwise, phone contracts can be straightforward. You don’t need to be locked in for years, drowning in jargon or blindsided by hidden costs.
You could go as far as to say that the big networks keep things murky on purpose, leaving you at the mercy of surprise price hikes or extortionate roaming fees.
After all, those flashy marketing campaigns won’t pay for themselves 👀
But there is a world where your business SIM provider keeps things simple with a flexible contract you actually understand.
As a fellow SME business, we know that yours is constantly evolving. Your team today won’t be the same in two years – maybe not even in two weeks – so why should your phone contract be?
That’s why we keep things simple, offering 30-day monthly plans that you can adjust when you need to. No more jumping through hoops 🤸
Myth 2: Switching networks is a hassle
When it comes to switching networks, what comes to mind?
Moving employees with different contract terms and end dates over in one painful transition? Missing important calls and deadlines due to unexpected downtime? Being caught out by hidden costs after signing the dotted line with your new network?
Ultimately, it all might not feel worth the effort.
Sticking with the big networks can feel like the easier option. Meaning before you know it, you’re stuck in another confusing contract for the next 24 months.
But here’s the thing. Switching networks can (and should) be simple, taking just a few hours or less.
If you’d prefer to move your team over gradually, take a phased approach instead. That way, you can avoid early exit fees and stay flexible when it comes to keeping your team members connected.
Even better, Honest does all the heavy lifting so you can switch networks in minutes. All you need is an email.
Wondering which eSIM plan is right for your business? Complete our plan finder.
Myth 3: Managing SIMs is a full time job
Between telling employees how much data they’ve got left, keeping tabs on roaming costs, and chasing customer support, managing your business SIMs with a big network can easily swallow up hours of your week.
That’s why we created the Honest hub. We believe control should be in your hands, not someone else's.
Instead of chasing your network to make changes to your SIMs, you can do it yourself instantly. From adding new starters and updating data allowances to finding employee phone numbers, it’s all at your fingertips.
Watch this video to find out how we’re making managing your team’s SIMs as simple as it should be.
Myth 4: Customer support is always slow
Endlessly waiting on hold, going from department to department, hearing back on support requests days later. Sound familiar? If you’re with a big network, the answer is probably yes.
Meanwhile, your inbox is overflowing, your team is frustrated and your to-do list is only getting longer.
Before you know it, a simple SIM update turns into days of downtime, leaving your team unable to work and clients waiting at the other end of the line.
And this game of hide-and-seek isn't just costing your business money. It’s costing you time.
If only there was a mobile network that responded in seconds. 23 to be precise 👀
Forget annoying hold music while you wait to repeat your problem to yet another department.
At Honest, you get help when you need it – freeing you up to get on with ticking things off that to-do list. Don’t just take our word for it. Read what our customers say about us here.
Myth 5: Only big networks have the resources to go green
It’s easy to think that the big mobile networks, with their seemingly endless budgets for TV campaigns, packed-out arenas and celebrity endorsements are investing just as much into sustainability initiatives.
But are they?
By 2040, telecoms will account for 14% of the global environmental footprint. Right now, the industry's greenhouse gas emissions rival those of global aviation.
We don’t think that’s good enough.
Building a network doing mobile right by people and the planet was the driving force behind starting Honest. So we’re proud to be the UK’s top-rated B Corp mobile network, planting over 50 thousand trees and removing over 270 thousand kilograms of carbon since 2019.
When you join Honest, you don’t just get the UK’s fastest 5G and support in seconds. You get the warm feeling of knowing your business is doing its part in helping the planet, with all of our plans removing the carbon of your work phones – twice over.
When it comes to sustainability, we believe it’s a case of the more the merrier. After all, what’s best for the planet is best for all of us 🌍
Myth 6: Annual price hikes are inevitable
When you’re trying to squeeze every last penny out of your budget, being hit by unexpected price hikes on your team’s SIMs is the last thing you need.
You might have even chosen a 24 month plan to avoid higher prices, only to get stung by price hikes while locked into a contract with early exit fees.
What you save in pennies, you end up spending in time, effort and dwindling patience with the big networks and their sub-par support.
While Ofcom’s intervention is putting a stop to this unethical practice, we believe the big mobile networks should do what’s right without needing a push.
So you might be relieved to know that at Honest, we reward your loyalty instead of penalising it by dropping your bill every month up to 30%. The longer you stay, the more you save. No strings attached.
Myth 7: Big networks mean better coverage
You might think that the big networks with all their masts provide better signal than the smaller networks ever could.
Here’s the truth. In the UK, only four networks own the masts: Vodafone, O2, EE and Three.
MVNO networks, like Honest, piggyback on these. Meaning you get the signal strength of the big networks, plus extras like a smaller carbon footprint, speedy customer support and bills that make sense.
All without the baggage of the big networks. Goodbye terrible customer support, confusing contracts and lacklustre efforts to help the planet.
We’re even developing a product that gives you unlimited data on 40+ apps, on the biggest UK networks. You can join the Smart SIM waiting list here 👀
Myth 8: You only get extra rewards with the big networks
When it comes to your mobile network, reliable signal, easy SIM management and support when you need it should be a given.
Don’t get us wrong, we like cheap cinema tickets and concerts as much as the next person. But we also like work phones that… work.
So we focus on what truly matters: giving your business the best possible mobile experience. That means the UK’s fastest 5G, a shrinking carbon footprint and support in seconds.
We’re not about flashy extras that distract from the basics. But we do believe in treating you right. That’s why we partner with ethical brands to offer perks that align with our values. So you get rewards that actually make a difference.
Take Tred for example, the business current account offering a green alternative for SMEs in the UK.
Its green and ethical accounts are packed with features and functionality to keep your business in control of your finances, while guaranteeing money isn't invested in fossil fuels.
Instead, Tred donates money to reforestation and rewilding projects in Yorkshire and across the globe. (Plus, they’re a B Corp and member of 1% for the Planet, just like us 🙋)
And for Honest customers, Tred is offering their limited time 20% off pricing Pioneer tier, complete with exclusive features and higher usage allowances. Just download the Tred app on the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store to claim it.
With other Honest perks including Reboxed, Oddbox and Doisy and Dam, your team will be spoilt for choice.
Ready for a fuss-free way to manage your business SIMs?
Your SME doesn’t need to trade reliable service for confusing contracts and hidden costs when it comes to your work phones.
By choosing a mobile network that keeps things straightforward and puts you in control, you can focus on what really matters – meeting deadlines and keeping your team connected.
This means more time meeting deadlines and keeping your team connected, and less time dealing with hidden costs, confusing contracts and lousy customer support.
Want to learn more about how switching to Honest could save your SME business time and money while doing good for the planet? Book a meeting. You could be set up before you know it.