Which cell phone plan is right for your small business? What network should you work with, how much data do you need, and what kind of phone fits your needs the best? These are the kinds of questions you might come across when you decide to set up a small business cell phone plan. Use the guide below to as a starting point to ensure you get the best phone plan for your business needs.
The first step in choosing a small business cell phone plan is selecting the provider you want to work with. Some of the biggest cell phone providers in America include:
There are plenty of other providers to choose from as well, like Cricket and Boost Mobile. The key here is to select the one that will offer the best coverage in your area. Check the service maps for different providers to see which one has strong signals where you live and work. If you have to travel for your work, make sure you can get service in the areas you are traveling to. This is particularly important in rural communities where cell phone service may be limited as a whole.
Do you make a lot of long distance or international phone calls for your business? Do you spend a lot of time on the internet? Do you need a lot of minutes to accommodate for your conference calls and client consultations? Think about all of this when you start sorting through phone plans with your chosen provider because they will determine what you need every month. Many phone providers offer unlimited data, minutes, text messages, etc., but there may be exclusions in their terms. Make sure you know exactly what you’re getting into before you sign up for a plan.
The phone you choose to get is mostly a matter of personal preference, but keep in mind any apps you know you need for your business. Some apps are only available on the Apple or Android platforms, which may narrow down your selection of phones. Think about the durability of the device if you are prone to dropping your phone, and invest in insurance so you don’t have to pay full price if you need a replacement down the road.
Ask what it will cost you to add lines to your account in the future. If you get a business partner or have workers that need phones through your small business, you will need to calculate those costs into your monthly expenses. If you are signing up for a promotional rate, make sure you ask what your rates will go up to after the promotional period has ended. In some cases, the temporary savings are not worth the long-term costs.