Town & Country Communications have been working with business mobile phones since 1992. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at three sneaky ways your mobile phone might be costing you more than you bargained for.
1. Roaming charges
Whether you're sealing a big deal overseas or just doing your usual work from abroad, there's one thing you always need to watch out for: roaming charges.
When you travel to a place where your usual network provider doesn't have coverage, your device might connect to a different host network that does cover that area. This process is known as roaming.
While roaming, your device essentially borrows the calling, texting, and data services from the host network. Your home network (your regular mobile service provider) may charge you extra for using these services while roaming. These additional charges are often higher than your regular rates and can add up quickly, leading to bills that are higher than what you're used to.
Nigel Butler, the managing director of Town and Country, puts it plainly: "One can pay up to £8 per MB of roaming in today's mobile market -- and over a one or two-week trip abroad, that can really add up!
But here's the good news: roaming charges aren't set in stone. Many mobile service providers have caught on and now offer international roaming plans or partner with other carriers to give you more budget-friendly rates when you're on the move. Alternatively, you can buy a local SIM card in the country you're visiting; this will let you avoid high roaming charges by tapping into a local network.
If you're a frequent traveller or preparing for a longer stint abroad, give our team a shout. Our fantastic roaming packages let you use your UK tariff allowance in 104 countries outside of the EU - that's even more coverage compared to Vodafone and O2 network packages, which only cover 58 and 92 international locations respectively!
2. Hackers and scammers
Phone hacks and scams have been around for almost as long as phones have, and the techniques used have only become more sophisticated each year. Business mobiles are especially vulnerable to these types of attacks, as criminals may target them to acquire valuable information or extract money from your company.
The tactics used can be numerous and varied, but here are some of the most common.
- Phishing involves tricking individuals into providing sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial details, by posing as a trustworthy entity. This can be done through fake emails, text messages (SMS phishing or "smishing"), or even phone calls.
- Cybercriminals may infect smartphones with malware or spyware to gain unauthorised access to personal information, including banking details. This malware can be delivered through malicious apps, attachments, or links.
- In a SIM swapping attack, hackers convince a mobile carrier to transfer a victim's phone number to a SIM card controlled by the attacker. This can give the hacker access to two-factor authentication codes and other security measures.
- Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in public Wi-Fi networks to intercept data transmitted between a user's device and the internet. If users access sensitive information, such as online banking, on unsecured networks, hackers can capture this data.
- Hackers may use techniques to manipulate caller ID information, making it appear as though the call is coming from a trusted source. This can be used to gain a victim's trust and extract sensitive information.
Fortunately, you can usually shield yourself from these threats by taking a few proactive measures. Always remember to:
- Be cautious about clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
- Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
- Keep your device's operating system and apps up to date.
- Avoid connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi networks for sensitive activities.
- Be sceptical of unsolicited communication and verify the legitimacy of requests for sensitive information.
For the best protection, think about getting monitoring software like the type provided by Town and Country Communications. As Nigel notes, "We have a constant monitoring system in place in our own software that will alert one of our team here in Bournemouth to any unusual usage or spending patterns. This is so we can alert our clients in real time -- not after four weeks or when the bill comes in, whichever comes first, as would be the case with other suppliers."
3. Contract changes
Mobile contracts, while offering potential long-term benefits, might not always match what you initially signed up for. Changes in plans, data rollover policies, and hidden price adjustments can all lead to unexpected cost fluctuations., potentially leaving you out of pocket. This becomes an even bigger issue when everyone in your business is on the same contract for their work phones.
To avoid unpleasant surprises, you should carefully review the terms when your contract is up for renewal. Keep a close eye on any changes in pricing, data allowances, and included services. If you come across changes you're not happy with, consider talking to your provider about it or exploring other plans that better fit your current needs.
If you're thinking about switching to a better plan, why not reach out to our team? Thanks to our partnerships with top UK networks, we can offer some of the most competitive business mobile contracts in the South. We also customise each package to match your business's specific needs, so you only pay for the services you actually need - nothing more and nothing less.
Get the best business mobile and phone solutions in the South
At Town & Country Communications, we provide affordable and reliable mobile phone services, business phone systems, and data protection for companies of all sizes.
- Our experts can analyse your current contracts to find savings without sacrificing service quality or coverage. We'll make sure you avoid unexpected fees or overages, whether you're at home or abroad.
- We offer state-of-the-art security to keep your company's sensitive information safe from hackers and cyberattacks. Our data protection goes beyond standard encryption to ensure comprehensive safety.
- We can also provide a variety of other technology solutions to keep your business running smoothly, including broadband, IT security, data backups, VoIP, and much more!
With flexible plans and support from our knowledgeable staff, we simplify keeping your team connected. Book a consultation online or call us on 01202 514444 today!
