You might have noticed a lot of modern smart phones have the capability to support Dual-SIM. We’re often asked what that means, how it works and if it actually has a benefit for business users. 

There are a huge number of business mobile phone deals on the market today, and figuring out what is best for your organisation can be challenging. In some situations, Dual SIM can offer a great option for organisations looking to streamline and simplify deployments. 

Explaining Dual SIM: 

Typically, a mobile airtime agreement (and mobile number) is attached to a SIM, and it’s the SIM which enables a device to connect to the providers voice and data network for calls, texts and internet access as per the agreed contract. When a phone has the facility to use Dual SIM cards, two agreed connections can be used, with two associated numbers. Phone users can select which number they use to make calls and texts from and which SIM agreement is used for internet browsing. Depending on the smartphone model and operating system, the user can often select and change these choices on the fly, making Dual- Sim a great choice. 

Now, the other thing to understand is eSIM technology. Just like standard SIM Cards, eSIMS tie into your number and airtime agreement, but instead of being loaded into physical SIM card hardware, they take advantage of a smartphones inbuilt tech or primary SIM card. They are typically used for secondary SIMs and delivered using a QR code. 

In terms of how it works in practice, take a look at the information Apple publish here: Using Dual SIM with an eSIM – Apple Support (UK)

Why would it be useful in a business contract:

We often speak to organisations who are looking for suitable business mobile phone deals to reduce costs and ease management. In some cases a Dual SIM solution might be worth exploring. 

You deliver mobiles to staff so that they can manage calls and access work data while on the go and working remotely. It’s likely that these same staff carry their own personal phone with them as well and consider the work phone a bit of a burden. 

For come clients, managing hardware can be a challenge and frankly, the costs soon mount up! A work smartphone can cost anywhere between £200 – £1,000 and typically lasts up to 2 years. Status and hierarchy often mean senior level diva’s can demand the flagship devices, just for show!

The personal phones your staff carry are probably Dual SIM capable, and in some cases it might be a worthwhile exercise to explore the option of cutting down costs and management and allowing them to use their second SIM feature for Dual Sim options for your business airtime agreement. The staff don’t have to carry around two (increasingly sizeable) smartphones. You can still manage and police the useage and spend in the same way, as well as revoke the number and agreement should they cease employment. (in fact, that’s arguably easier to do!) For more Dual- Sim information please take a look here. 

Our mobile agreements

We founded Agile to offer a more flexible and supportive way to manage communications services. 

We provide business mobile phone deals though any mixture of O2 and Vodafone connections, with comprehensive management and a fantastic self-service online portal to manage spend, billing and administration. We offer these services on incredibly flexible short-term contracts. 

You can read about our mobile phone services here: Business Mobile Services – Agile Comms (agile-comms.co.uk) and get in touch to learn more about our business mobile phone deals and Dual-Sim options.