From tradespeople and estate agents to freelancers and field sales teams, workers who rely on mobile connectivity are increasingly looking for flexibility, value and more data
- Nearly half (48%) of consumers say they prefer shorter and more flexible contracts and subscriptions
- More than a third (37%) say having the most data, calls and texts is a key priority when choosing a mobile contract
- Community Fibre’s Unlimited UK eSIM offers unlimited data, calls and texts on a renewing monthly contract from £15 per month for broadband customers and £17 per month for non-customers
For millions of workers, a smartphone has become far more than a way to stay in touch.
From tradespeople sending customer quotes and uploading site photos, to estate agents conducting virtual viewings and freelancers working from coffee shops between meetings, many people now rely on mobile connectivity throughout the working day.
As a result, access to large amounts of mobile data, predictable monthly costs and flexible contracts is becoming increasingly important for workers whose office can change from one day to the next.
Research commissioned by Community Fibre found that nearly half (48%) of consumers prefer shorter and more flexible contracts and subscriptions, while 15% of people with a mobile contract would like a mobile deal that is shorter and more flexible.
The research also found that 19% would happily keep their existing handset and simply switch to a better contract, highlighting growing demand for SIM-only alternatives that allow consumers to separate connectivity from expensive handset agreements.
When it comes to choosing a mobile provider, value remains important, but connectivity is increasingly a priority too. More than a third (37%) say having the most data, calls and texts is one of the most important factors when choosing a mobile contract, while 30% say avoiding long-term contracts is important.
The findings come as Community Fibre offers its Unlimited UK eSIM, providing unlimited data, calls and texts on a renewing monthly contract from £15 per month for existing broadband customers and £17 per month for those without Community Fibre broadband. For those travelling abroad, Community Fibre’s Travel eSIM also provides connectivity in more than 160 countries from as little as £2.29.
Analysis by Community Fibre found that customers purchasing a 2 Gbps 24m contract and the UK Unlimited eSIM can save £561 vs Virgin’s 2 Gbps + Unlimited SIM-only offer, over 24 months. Community Fibre eSIM-only customers can also save up to £612 vs O2’s Unlimited SIM monthly plan over 24 months.
The eSIM can be activated instantly on compatible devices without the need for a physical SIM card and includes access to 5G connectivity, hotspotting and tethering capabilities, making it particularly useful for people who regularly work away from a fixed office location.
TV presenter and personal finance expert Peter Komolafe (pictured below) said:
“It’s clear that people are questioning whether they’re getting value from the contracts they’re locked into. Many are prioritising flexibility and better value for money but admit they don’t know how much their subscriptions and contracts cost them each month.
“Over a quarter of consumers are looking for a cheaper mobile contract, while nearly one in five would happily keep their existing handset and simply switch to a better deal. That’s why flexible SIM-only options are becoming increasingly attractive. Consumers want straightforward pricing, no unnecessary extras and the freedom to change when their needs change.
“Community Fibre’s new eSIM aligns with what people want: a simple monthly plan with unlimited data, calls and texts, transparent pricing and no long-term commitment.”
Community Fibre’s research also found that 56% of consumers want certainty that their monthly mobile bill will remain the same, reflecting growing demand for predictable household costs at a time when many people are reassessing their contracts and subscriptions.
For workers who regularly hotspot laptops, attend video calls on the move, upload large files from customer sites or manage their business from a smartphone, unlimited data can remove concerns around usage limits and unexpected charges while providing the flexibility to work wherever the day takes them.
Peter Rampling, chief commercial officer at Community Fibre, said: “More people are working flexibly than ever before and increasingly rely on mobile data throughout the working day. Whether they’re visiting customers, travelling between meetings, working remotely or running their own business, they need connectivity they can rely on without worrying about data limits.
“Our Unlimited UK eSIM provides exactly that: unlimited data, calls and texts on a simple renewing monthly contract with transparent pricing. It’s designed for people who want flexibility, value and the freedom to stay connected wherever work or life takes them especially where there is no or only flaky WiFi.”
To find out more about Community Fibre’s eSIM and broadband offers, head to communityfibre.co.uk or speak with a member of the team on 0808 196 6262 (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm, weekends and bank holidays, 9am-5pm).
