The 10 Finest Telecommunication Companies in Singapore With Flexible Mobile Phone Plans for Businesses

How to Select Mobile Phone Plans That Allow You to Customise Plans to Fit Your Company's Needs

In the global market, business is conducted anywhere, at any time of day or night. Thus, mobile phone plans have become a crucial business tool for company owners and their employees, serving as a key driver of the work-from-anywhere revolution.

A mobile phone plan is one of the most effective ways to ensure effective communication with your customers and among your employees. A number of mobile phone companies sell such plans. They frequently offer packages that include voice, text, and data components, as well as security features. 

In the same way that it’s problematic to use a personal bank account for business purposes (and vice versa), it’s best to have a business phone plan exclusive for business. In some cases, using a personal phone plan for business purposes is acceptable. However, personal phone plans can compromise the performance of work tasks by having insufficient security settings as would be found in company-issued business phones. Using a personal phone plan makes it more likely that devices will be used for personal use, even when the user is supposed to be doing work; conversely, if you or your staff don’t use a business phone plan, you will likely need to do certain work at your personal expense, when it should have been covered by the company.

In business, mobile phones provide organisational capabilities, portable and convenient internet access, and constant accessibility. Phones connect all levels of a business, allowing them to stay focused, organised, reachable, and up-to-date on business activities.

What is a Mobile Phone Plan? 

A mobile phone plan is simply a mobile contract customised to your company's needs. Most commonly, phone plans come with free local calls and increased data allowance to facilitate your company’s operations. You can usually choose a device to come with the phone plan (depending on what your Internet service provider or phone plan provider has to offer), and terms are usually set at either 12 or 24 months with a monthly billing cycle. You can also get a SIM-only plan, which allows you to get your device from a different provider.

In a business phone plan, the company or employer is the primary account holder and has the power to add new lines or terminate old ones through the carrier. With most phone plan providers in Singapore, each plan includes a company-owned mobile phone for each user. Different options provide for additional or fewer lines, as well as data allotment for mobile internet access. Larger businesses would require an unlimited business plan.

Employers can also install apps, contacts, or other critical work-related information. However, companies are frequently obliged to give complete support if the gadget is accidentally damaged.

Mobile communication enables you to coordinate with every employee, resulting in a more robust and well-informed company model. Mobile platforms and wireless networks allows you to have a mobile workforce, with employees being able to work even outside the office.

Traditional business communication methods, such as snail mail and bulletin boards, are gradually becoming obsolete. Meanwhile, mobile and digital communication have become indispensable tools in today’s business processes.

Benefits of Mobile Phone Plans 

Due to advancements in mobile technology and mobile connection, the modern workforce is can function even when away from their office. Thus, mobile phones boost employee productivity and improve customer service. Here are some other benefits of a using a mobile phone plan for businesses:

Cost-Saving

Instead of having personal limits for each employee, a mobile phone plan can let you pool all data, SMS and talk time among all users. It allows you to use your limits more efficiently while only paying for one package instead of several. This also helps you account for variances in usage among different users under your account. In addition, most service providers offer exclusive deals and flash sales to their business phone plans.

Security

Mobile phone plans provide a high level of security. When you invest in one, you will become assured that the data on your employees' phones is secure, backed up, and encrypted. Many plans allow you to control or limit the applications and websites your employees can access on their device. The threat of cybersecurity is at an all-time high, so you should take every precaution available to secure company data that are stored in your devices.

Communication and Collaboration

When a company provides its employees with company-issued mobile phones, management ensures that all employees have cutting-edge devices along with access to all the apps and other key tools needed for the job. As one might anticipate, this improves the entire company’s efficiency, communication, and collaboration. It also contributes to overall compatibility, especially when in-the-field staff need to access cloud-based programs or files shared by the whole team. 

Professionalism

Allowing employees to use personal phones for company activity gives any company an unprofessional impression. When an employee uses the same smartphone for business and personal calls, the risk of answering business calls in a casual, less-than-professional manner increases significantly. Meanwhile, limiting business calls to company-issued phones decreases the chance of such unprofessional incidents. 

Essential Features of a Mobile Phone Plan

So many mobile phone plans and carriers are available that it is challenging to narrow down your selections. Consider the following features when deciding on what mobile phone plan to get for your business:

• Wi-Fi Capability

Wi-Fi capability allows you to connect to any wireless network. When you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network, you can make calls and send messages on various apps, even if signal from network towers are unavailable. Being connected to Wi-Fi network also means you won’t need much data. It allows you and your employees to connect, work and collaborate through various apps without using up your allocated data.

• Hotspot Connection

Mobile hotspot allows you to turn your device into an ad hoc wireless access point that other devices can tap into. It is particularly useful if there are no Wi-Fi network available and only one or a few users have cellular data. When a device’s hotspot is turned on, everyone connected to it can then use its data to connect to the internet. You can check your monthly bill to know your data usage from hotspot connection.

• Long Battery Life

The major reason for having cell phones in the workplace is to keep everyone connected. Having a mobile phone with a long batter life is a big advantage as it reduces the time you have to be tethered to a charging port and you can use your device for prolonged periods without having to worry about being disconnected.

• Customizable Plan

Your expected volume of data usage and number of users determine whether you need a limited or unlimited data plan. You can opt to give unlimited talk time and SMS messaging for each line under your account, or set a data limit to be shared by all lines under the account. You can ask your mobile carrier for an estimate of data usage per user to make a good decision regarding your data allocation and the number of lines you’ll get under your account.

Types of Mobile Phone Plans 

When it comes to communications, you want the most cost-effective option for your company. There are numerous mobile plans to consider, each with its own features. The following are the various types of mobile phone plans that you will find:

SIM and Handset

SIM and handset bundles are a popular option for business lines that use multiple devices. A SIM and handset plan typically requires little or no cash-out but are carriers are also usually more discerning with applications. The bundle includes call minutes, data, and SMS messaging, plus a device of your choice. Most carriers offer devices of the latest model or of popular demand, which makes the SIM and handset bundle a more suitable option for senior employees.

SIM Only

Under this kind of plan, you’ll be provided with only a SIM card with minutes, SMS, and data plan attached. SIM-only tariffs provide your company with the freedom to select your own devices, which is a good option if you're giving each member of your team their own tablet or phone. To reduce expenses, some companies buy their devices wholesale (thus reducing the initial cost of equipment) and then get the best SIM only plans, which has a lower recurring cost. You can also buy a new SIM as may be needed by your company.

Mobile Broadband

Mobile broadband is the recommended plan for users with high mobility and extensive Internet usage. In this type of plan, the carrier provides you with a dongle or a portable Wi-Fi router (which already has a SIM card inside) that you can activate to connect to the Internet. Most mobile broadband packages require a 4G or 5G coverage, and has a customizable data plan.

How to Choose the Best Mobile Phone Plan for Single Users

Selecting a great mobile phone plan will help you keep your monthly expenses under control, even if prices for other services and goods continue to increase. Whatever you're currently paying for monthly wireless service, there's a good chance a better-priced plan is available. The following tips will help you choose the best mobile phone plan for your personal use:

Consider how you’ll use your phone 

Before selecting a new mobile phone plan, ensure you know how much data and talk time you will use daily. Some users spend a lot of time searching and downloading content, which necessitates a lot of data usage. Choose a mobile phone plan that prioritises data over all other features if you are one. Consider this alternative, especially if your office lacks stable Wi-Fi.

Research your network coverage

Check the coverage map on the website of your prospective mobile phone plan provider to ensure that they have sufficient coverage in your location. Keep in mind, however, that coverage maps are not 100 percent accurate. Even if the map indicates that your area is covered, connection may become weak or intermittent during peak hours or if there is heavy usage from multiple users on the line.

Determine your communications budget

Make sure that your expected monthly bill fits within your company’s budget for communications. Analyse your budget ahead of time to determine how much money you can safely invest toward your monthly phone plan. Then, establish a habit of checking your monthly usage to ensure that it falls within your set budget. If you expect calls from outside the country, make sure that your plan has unlimited incoming calls so that such calls won’t be charged on you.

Ensure you check customer service 

Customer service is important for new mobile phone plan owners because it assists them in navigating the often complex pricing structure and understanding new offers. A great customer care platform will enable the carrier to properly manage such a problem while still retaining its customers, allowing them to enjoy exceptional service once everything returns to normal.

How Do Mobile Phone Plans Work? 

Many major national carriers supply mobile phone service in Singapore. These companies are called mobile network operators (MNO). To provide cellular service, each MNO owns and operates a network of infrastructure that includes cell phone towers and transmitters.

Then, there are smaller carriers called mobile virtual network operators (MVNO), which are in essence mobile service resellers. These carriers are typically able to charge less because they have not invested in putting up their own network infrastructure and are instead only reusing the system set up by MNOs.

Pre-paid or no-contract plans are the primary focus of MVNO providers. Although using the same networks as the major national carriers, these plans are often less price, but the terms of service are significantly different.

Unlike network resellers, major national carriers have a few benefits. Post-paid accounts need payment at the end of the service month rather than in advance. This often necessitates a good credit score and can even need automated payment deductions from a transaction account.

With a national carrier plan, you can buy a mobile phone every month rather than paying the full price upfront. While MVNOs have begun to offer monthly instalment plans, they often provide a broader assortment of devices, as well as more models and brands.

From time to time, MNOs prioritise network access for their clients above MVNO clients when mobile traffic is high on the carrier's network. This cannot be an issue in well-covered locations, meaning that a carrier network's signal is strong and can reach those locations. Customers of MNOs receive fewer lost calls or other service interruptions in locations with poor service.

Aside from low pricing, there are other benefits to selecting an MVNO mobile phone plan. MVNO can offer more tailored services compared to MNOs by customizing their plans for different consumer segments. For example, they can offer unlimited incoming calls for clients who expect to receive a lot of calls from abroad. Generally, MVNOs also provide better customer experience since they can focus on providing their service rather than maintaining the network infrastructure.

Tips for Managing Your Data

Nobody enjoys receiving a surprise phone bill informing them they have surpassed their data plan. Many modern plans include unlimited talk time and SMS messaging while paying for a pool of data, so controlling your company's data usage is the best way to keep costs under control. There are a few key tips to keep in mind when managing your data:

Check your monthly bill

Having online access to your mobile account makes tools and reports for analysing mobile data and determining who is utilizing it available. You can also sign up for a mobile device management plan, which enables businesses to monitor, track, and protect employee-owned phones and tablets. It also comes with a monthly usage report. It's important to track your usage to know where your employees use their phone while they’re at work.

Watch out for hotspot usage

Most modern phones and tablets have hotspot capability, which allows the device to basically become a “mobile Wi-Fi”. This can be very useful when, for example, a travelling worker has to use their laptop and connect to the internet but there is no available Wi-Fi connection. However, this can quickly deplete your data allocation when used inappropriately, such as if the user uses it for video streaming services like Netflix or to download large files for personal use. If your devices have hotspot capability, make sure to have clear policies regarding its usage.

Manage your apps 

Mobile apps are another source for data plan usage. Many carriers allow administrators to disable app downloads on company-provided phones. However, numerous apps can be useful in the performance of certain tasks, and in some cases even essential to it. It’s usually best to enable app downloads on the unit, but establish explicit policies and clearly monitor usage.

Use Wi-Fi whenever possible

While tablets and phones use Wi-Fi, they do not use mobile data plans. Thus, all devices in your workplace should be configured to use Wi-Fi when available. Suppose your company's corporate network does not support Wi-Fi. In that case, you should look into getting a Wireless Access Point to enable mobile devices to connect to the network while employees are at work. Additionally, all data-intensive operations, such as downloading and updating apps, should be reserved for periods when your staff are connected to a Wi-Fi network.

How to Choose a Mobile Phone Plan Package for Your Business 

When you require mobile phones for a company, you would believe that going to a net retailer and purchasing a phone you prefer is all that is required. However, you should first analyse your company's needs to select the ideal mobile phone plans for your business.   

Companies rely on effective communication – therefore, choosing the right mobile phone plan for the job is important. Here are a few things to keep in mind while selecting mobile phones for your business:

Know your needs

Before making a decision, you should understand how your company uses mobile communication. To establish which features and plan you will require, ask yourself and your staff how they use their phones. 

Here are some questions to assist you in understanding your business calling needs:

• How frequently do you make phone calls? Do you require access to the phone during business hours? 
• Are the calls only local, or do you also make international calls?
• How frequently would employees use mobile internet?

Ensure compatibility

You can install business software and other useful applications on your company devices to make work easier. However, keep in mind that not all apps are compatible with all phones; some apps are developed to be used exclusively on Android phones while others on iOS phones. Thus, before getting any mobile phone plan, make sure that the apps and devices you want to use are compatible.

Organisation

Password keepers, reminders, calendars, and other services are available on each type of phone. It is critical to organise your workday and maintain track of your personnel. Select a device that makes this simple. It improves your day to be able to link your phone calendar to your company agenda or look for your password.

Cost

Budgeting communication expenses is an important factor, but the cost must be balanced against the benefit to your company. Ascertain that your company has a phone service package that meets its needs. It would help if you considered the following: monthly service fees, the cost of the mobile phones, and any additional fees.

A company should look for high-quality mobile phones and a plan that fully meets the needs of its employees. Employee mobility, communication preferences, and technical skills must all be considered. When chosen well, mobile phone plan for business can help propel your business by giving you the freedom and flexibility to answer calls anywhere, communicate with your team and clients anytime, and stay connected wherever you are.

Look through our mobile phone companies to know more about how their phone plans help improve employee mobility and connectivity.