The sales of SmartPhone mobiles continue to rise and they will likely replace traditional talk and text handsets in the near future. More consumers are finding that the versatile smartphone devices are enhancing their lives with the opportunity of running apps and enabling computer-like usage away from home.

Business users are also finding them invaluable as they provide greater flexibility and improved communication between workplace and site.

Increased competition between manufacturers has brought the price of smartphones down meaning many are now within reach of the smallest business user on the lowliest of tariffs.

The ability of smartphones to run third party software means that they can be used to replace other devices. For instance, GPS enabled smartphones are now used in device tracking.

With a simple software installation the phone can be monitored whilst out and about with an employee. This includes speed and direction when driving/passenger. At all times the phone's position can be seen live in real-time via a web interface.

As well as helping with improving the performance of field based employees, and thus reducing overheads/increasing profits, this system is also invaluable in providing lone worker safety and health and safety compliance.

We have had great success within the care sector where companies with several employees are seeing savings of thousands of pounds whilst at the same time improving customer service and employee performance and safety.

This solution would help many businesses, in fact anyone out in the field or operating a grey fleet (employees using their own vehicles on company business).

Posted in: business mobiles , business phones , business solutions , SmartPhones , telecoms

A traditional phone system, using fixed lines, can serve a business well, particularly when all staff are office based and within the same building. However, with a more mobile workforce the limitations of old-style phone systems can be exposed.

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) telephone systems solve these problems by routing calls over the internet. This allows a number of features to be used including:

• Homeworkers able to utilise system
• Communicate across multiple sites
• Group departments together even when geographically seperate
• Field employees can receive landline calls whilst on the road
• Automatic call distribution across sites

Businesses can save money by centralizing and streamlining their call answering functions whilst improving the caller’s experience at the same time. Routing calls over the internet can also save money on outbound calls.

A VoIP system does not have to be expensive and is within the reach of many SMEs. It does need to be integrated with your broadband and it pays dividends to get a business grade broadband solution which is suitable for carrying voice calls.

Uncontended business broadband gives you a dedicated line ensuring minimum disruption and crystal clear calls. Again this solution does not have to be expensive and delivers the best results to your business and its customers.

For a free VoIP quote give us a call or fill in our enquiry form online.

Posted in: business broadband , business landlines , business phones , business solutions , telecoms , VoIP

Recent announcements by the new UK government have signalled that their policies are very much pro-business, and particularly pro small and new businesses.

Whilst businesses wait for the fine words to be turned into action, there is a sense of confidence returning to UK business following the uncertainty leading up to the election and the subsequent hung parliament.

This confidence allows businesses to invest for the future, take on staff, and move forward with new projects. One area in which investment can pay real dividends is in communications.

The telecoms world has moved at such a fast pace recently that even 2 or 3 year old equipment could be seen as obsolete. Think about mobile phone applications (apps) - a couple of years ago they were unheard of, now they are a part of everyday life for many and the majority of new mobile phones are being designed with their use in mind.

For business users a converged telecommunication solution including landlines, mobiles, broadband and IT is a wise investment and now is the time to act. The savings to be made and potential for gaining new business means that a small amount spent now could yield much greater dividends in the not-too-distant future.

A review of your current systems will show up any weak links, opportunities for improvements and new working practices which would improve internal and external communication for your business. New equipment which brings your business bang up-to-date may not be as expensive as you think.

For instance, mobile phone prices are consistently falling, particularly once handsets become a few months old. This allows the latest technology to be obtained free of charge on relatively inexpensive tariffs. Upgrading your current talk and text handsets to the latest SmartPhones need not cost your business any money at all.

Best Business Phone Deals specialise in business telecoms solutions, helping your business save money and improve communication. We can provide free quotations for any of our services on an individual basis or as a package.

A telecoms package allows you to receive maximum savings and also streamline your administration with a single monthly bill and one point of contact. Now is the time to invest in your business phones and get your business moving with the best possible communications solution.

Posted in: business broadband , business landlines , business mobiles , business phones , business solutions , telecoms

With most households having at least one, or even more, spare mobile phones tucked away in a drawer it would seem that sales of mobile phones should now be in sharp decline having reached saturation point.

What is keeping mobile phone sales healthy is the growth in the SmartPhone sector. Conventional mobile phones, only utilising talk and text, are becoming history as all of the manufacturers compete to cram more and more features into their latest phones.

Consumers with older mobile phones are now upgrading to a smartphone, driven by the popularity of the iphone and the increasing media coverage and ads for the latest phones.

This intense competition and the entry of several new players such as Google is driving prices lower. SmartPhones can now be obtained free of charge with contracts from £10 per month.

What makes a mobile phone a smartphone? If it contains an operating system, giving it computer-like features, it can be considered a smartphone. There are several operating systems currently available and if you are looking to buy your first smartphone you need to consider which one might suit you best.

SmartPhone operating systems include:

• Android
• Symbian
• Windows Mobile
• BlackBerry OS
• iPhone OS

One deciding factor could be the applications (apps) that are available for your particular operating system. Whilst the iPhone OS has the largest quantity of apps currently, it is only available in iPhones. Whereas the Android operating system, with less apps but a growing number, is available in numerous phones from a variety of different manufacturers giving you a greater choice of handset.

SmartPhones are here to stay and there is no sign of their growth in market share slowing. It will be interesting to see what developments come next in terms of the technology and what more can be done in such a small device.

Posted in: business mobiles , business phones , SmartPhones , telecoms

The FIFA World Cup 2010 starts in South Africa in less than a month (11th June 2010). Whilst most people's preferred method of viewing will probably be on the TV (or down the pub) because of the time difference many of the matches are taking place in the afternoon (UK time).

This means that many people might be stuck at work, travelling home or otherwise out and about when the matches are being played. Some kind employers may allow the matches to be watched at work with time made up later but for many their best chance of watching the World Cup in the afternoon will be via mobile phone.

If you have an iPhone the BBC Sport App is available in time for the World Cup. This will allow users to watch live football when the BBC is televising matches and also to see all goals on demand after matches have been played.

Initially for the iPhone, the BBC Sport app will also be developed for BlackBerry and Android users and will be extended to cover other BBC events such as Formula 1. Bear in mind that you should be a BBC licence holder to watch live sport, even on a mobile phone.

Otherwise it might be down to viewing live streaming online via the internet if you have a suitable handset. Bear in mind data costs and make sure you have sufficient data within your contract to cover potentially large usage for a 90 minute match. It may be better to subscribe to one of the many free services offering live goal updates, results etc. which should run on even the most basic of handsets.

Of England's matches only their final match against Slovenia is in the afternoon (16.30) on Wednesday 23rd June. This match may well be decisive in England's qualification from the group stages so make sure you note this date in your diary and get your viewing arrangements sorted out in advance.

Hopefully, on the 12th July, we will all be nursing hangovers celebrating England's World Cup success in 2010. Come on England.

Posted in: business mobiles , business phones , telecoms

We record every mobile phone despatched across our group of companies and at the end of every month compile a top 10 list of mobile phone handsets.

We have nearly a years worth of data and the results show that for business users there are only really three manufacturers that deliver the right mix of cost effectiveness and features in their phones. They are:

• Nokia
• RIM (BlackBerry)
• Samsung

Nokia consistenly occupy several places within the top 10 with their various handsets. These are usually the no-frills type - reliable and durable, ideal for businesses looking for a mobile for calls and texts.

BlackBerry phones are favoured by those looking for email on their mobile. The BlackBerry Curve 8520 has been selling well month after month due to its excellent value in terms of features vs. cost.

Samsung provide the really tough phones. The M110 and B2100 are shock, water and dust proof. Rubberised all over they are hard to break making them ideal for tradesmen such as builders, plumbers etc.

Whilst there are occasionally other manufacturers making the top 10, none of them are doing it consistently. Even the Apple iPhone has not taken off in terms of sales to our business customers. Its high purchase price doesn't make commercial sense given its rather limited business functionality.

Of course all businesses are different in how they use their phones and the particular model you have your eye on can be supplied by us as we have a number of suppliers enabling us to provide any UK mobile phone.

Posted in: business mobiles , business phones , telecoms

Having your business telecoms with a number of suppliers can present you with a range of problems.

• Paying more than you need to
• Extra paperwork
• Different renewal dates
• Grey areas regarding responsibility

All of these potential headaches disappear when you choose a business phones solution.

Most SMEs would benefit from receiving a telecoms healthcheck and finding out where savings could be made and where improvements could happen. The scope of such a review includes:

• Landline - systems, lines, call charges, call management
• Business mobile phones
• Broadband (including mobile broadband)
• Device tracking / Employee management

We can also include business website hosting, design and search engine optimisation giving you further savings by taking out multiple products with us.

Any problems and we are only a phone call away. No call centres and a dedicated account manager. With a 14 year history we are no fly-by-night operation.

We look to build long term business relationships and to keep your contracts on the best terms year after year. It doesn't cost your business anything to find out more.

To get in touch please call 0115 944 8977 or fill out our quick and easy online enquiry form.

Posted in: business broadband , business landlines , business mobiles , business phones , business solutions , business website , mobile broadband , mobile phone tracking , telecoms

Convergence - the occurrence of two or more things coming together or coming closer together.

In the telecoms field convergence has been happening for a while. For instance take the rise of the SmartPhone. Many of the functions previously only done by a computer can now be done on your mobile phone.

What does this mean for business users? There is an overlap of technologies which needs to be actively managed if you are to get your communications to perform optimally. There are also cost reductions to be had by using the best equipment to get the job done.

There are several areas where we can help.

• Mobile phones
• Landline phones (including VoIP)
• Broadband
• Mobile Broadband
• Device tracking
• IT

By taking all, or some, of these products and services from one supplier your business can gain in a number of areas.

The first is cost reduction. Cost reductions come from "buying in bulk" and also from ensuring that you have the right tech to get the job you need done and are not spending unnecessarily on devices and equipment that is not needed.

The second is an improvement in your business communication, both internally and externally.

The third is an improvement in customer service provided to you. Any problems or queries and there is only one number to call, one point of contact and no "grey areas".

As devices continue to converge and more and more features are packed into mobile phones the need to ensure your business is at the "cutting edge" increases. A quick call or completion of our online enquiry form and we can get you a free telecoms review dealing with all of these aspects.

Posted in: business broadband , business landlines , business mobiles , business phones , business solutions , mobile broadband , mobile phone tracking , telecoms , vehicle tracking

At Best Business Phone Deals we concentrate on delivering a total communication solution. Whilst we are able to offer business mobiles and business landlines as seperate entities we have found that the optimum performance and cost reduction is achieved by combining the two.

Additionally we can include extras such as broadband, mobile broadband and vehicle and device tracking as part of the package, further reducing costs and improving the overall company communication both internally and with new and existing customers.

There are several benefits to taking multiple telecoms products from one supplier:

• Maximise cost reductions
• One point of contact should problems arise
• No grey areas or arguments over responsibilities
• Seamless integration between products
• Single monthly bill

Businesses of all sizes, large and small, would benefit from a free telecoms review. This looks into how you are currently using your business phones, analyzing your exact usage, providing suggestions as to how you could use them better, and advising about new technologies which might assist you.

Once we have agreed on an optimum communication strategy we can then put together a bespoke tariff package to maximise your cost reductions. For landlines and broadband we have full control over prices and billing. For mobiles we can adjust pricing according to the network tariffs and offer cashback/allowances dependent upon the choice of handsets.

Not only can a review save your business money but by the end of it you should be seeing an improvement in communication throughout your organisation. Put us to the test and see how we can help your business.

Posted in: business landlines , business mobiles , business phones , telecoms

We started calculating our top 10 business mobile phones in June 2009 using our monthly phone despatch figures. This gives us about 10 months of data to see which phones are the best selling business mobiles.

Some phones which appeared on our very first Top 10 list still appear on the latest list. For example the Nokia 6300 and Samsung M110. These two manufacturers, along with RIM's BlackBerry, have dominated the top 10 each and every month.

The only other manufacturer/phone making regular appearances is the Apple iPhone, although it has yet to attain the number 1 spot. Other manufacturers making brief appearances include LG, Toshiba and HTC.

Whilst Nokia's popularity amongst regular consumers has wained, the business mobile buyers have stayed loyal. The Nokia handsets, reliable and durable, such as the 6300 and 6303 have remained solid sellers throughout.

Similarly the Samsung M110, known as the builders phone for its water, dust and shock proofing, has always been a favourite amongst those who need a mobile that can take a few knocks. Samsung also have the B2100 with similarly tough features.

Business mobile users who need email on the move keep coming back to the BlackBerry phones. The latest Curve 8520 has been a star seller since release thanks to its very keen pricing. Savvy business buyers get the best features of a BlackBerry mobile without losing control over their costs.

The domination of these three manufacturers over a 10 month period looks unlikely to be broken any time soon. Most manufacturers are aiming their new phones squarely at consumers with their focus on media and social networking, features which are of little use in the business mobile world.

Functional phones with talk, text, email and internet are the order of the day for most business mobile users.

Posted in: business mobiles , business phones , telecoms

All businesses have to communicate. They have to be in touch with existing customers, new customers and within their own organisation. There are a number of communication channels available:

• Standard landline telephone
• Mobile phones (voice and text)
• Email

To have the best communication within your business you need ALL of your business phones to work together seamlessly. The only way to achieve this is to source them all from one company.

At Best Business Phone Deals we specialise in complete telecom solutions. We have the knowledge and expertise to resolve any issues your business is currently having with its phones and IT and transform and streamline your communications ensuring they work optimally together.

By taking a converged solution you can also benefit from cost savings. There is no waste or overlap of service, we ensure the different devices work in harmony to deliver in the ways you need them to.

From start to finish we can overhaul your business phones. From telephone systems (including VoIP) to SmartPhones, GSM gateways to business grade broadband we offer everything your business is likely to need.

Saving money does not have to mean taking cheap options. We do not offer the very lowest priced products where we have found them to be unreliable or problematic for our customers. We want you to be happy with our service and recommend us to all of your business contacts.

We also want to make it as easy as possible for you to get a quote. We recognise you have your own business to look after. Put yourselves in the hands of the business phone experts and let us improve your communications whilst saving your business money at the same time.

All types and size of business can benefit from our services. We already deal with most business sectors giving us an insight into how they work and what they need. This enables us to make suggestions for your business which have helped other businesses just like yours.

To get things started complete our online contact form and one of our dedicated business phone consultants will be in touch.

Posted in: business landlines , business mobiles , business phones , telecoms

Business phones - any phone or device used for your business communications. This could be a mobile phone or landline phone.

When looking at a business phone quotation (a quote for a combination of mobiles and landline phones) there are two main areas of focus:

• Saving money
• Improving communications

Whilst the first ambition of saving money is the key to most quotations, your business should not overlook the benefits of improving its communications, even if that involves paying a little bit extra.

For instance, if your current handsets are geared mainly to talk and text, could upgrading to fully-functioned smartphones with in-built email and internet improve your communications? The advantages of email and internet on the move may improve your customer service response times, thereby improving business retention and new business gains.

The extra cost of new phones, plus data usage included within your tariff could quickly be recouped. In a few months time you may wonder how you ever managed without the extra phone features.

There are many other areas where communications can be improved. These will usually be specific to your business and its phone usage. When obtaining a quotation for your business phones from Best Business Phone Deals we will discuss your business and current usage and suggest ways in which you might get more from all of your devices.

Integrating your mobile phones, landlines, broadband and IT to ensure they work together optimally is where our service really shines. It doesn't cost you anything for our quote but by the end of the process hopefully you can see the value in our suggestions and how it could improve your business in the future.

For your free quotation please contact us by phone or online.

Posted in: business phones , telecoms

As part of the 21c group we have a number of specialist websites dealing with all types of telecoms. Starting out originally dealing solely with business mobiles we have expanded our portfolio to the extent that, although we still supply a lot of business mobile phones, our other services, such as landline billing, are slowly becoming just as important.

However, that does not mean we have taken our eyes off the ball in the mobiles sector, we are still able to provide all of the latest handsets, with great deals and tariffs across all of the major networks.

To this end we have re-launched our 21C Business Mobiles website which provides more information specifically about mobile phone handsets, business tariffs and other related news.

It has a special section for BlackBerry mobile phones, as we still find the majority of our business customers looking for mobile email insist on having BlackBerries. We also have business mobiles for tradesmen, especially catered for by Samsung with their two rubberised phones offering water, shock and dust proofing.

There are articles about using your phone abroad (be careful the charges can be enormous!) and an FAQ section answering some of the questions we get asked all of the time. Businesses large and small are both catered for.

As usual there is an enquiry form to get in touch with us and supply basic details of your requirements. So if you are looking for business mobiles please get in touch and see what we can offer your business.

Posted in: business mobiles , telecoms

Best Business Phone Deals offer your business a complete business phones solution, both for when you are in your premises and away from them.

Our business landline services incorporate a number of different products including:

• Line rental - new lines (analogue/ISDN) or transfer existing lines keeping your number
• Call costs - reduce call costs by up to 50%
• Tel Systems - from small business systems up to call centre set-ups
• Tel Numbers - geographic (01, 02) and non-geographic numbers (08, 03)
• Call Management - live web interface to manage your incoming calls
• Call recording - use for compliance and training purposes

We have our own in-house engineering team to help you with set up and ongoing maintenance and in the unlikely event of problems we are only one call away. No call centres, you get to speak to a real human being in double quick time.

Quotes are free, allowing you to compare your current arrangements with what we can offer side-by-side without charge.

To get the best price, send us a copy of your latest bill (by post, fax or email) so that we can see how you use your phones, where you call etc. From this we can sort out the best tariff for your business.

We offer bespoke tariffs so you are not restricted to set call plans and only pay for the services and minutes you need. Give us a call to see how much you might save.

Posted in: business broadband , business landlines , telecoms

Might seem like a silly question as all mobile phones come with an off button and it is a reasonably easy job to press it and close the phone down, but more and more people are unable to do it.

They experience anxiety if they are "out of the loop" needing to constantly check for new messages and emails, even during the evenings and weekends.

It is estimated this could add up to 10 days per year onto your working hours. Ouch!

Maybe switching your phone off as soon as you get home, or leave the office, is a bit soon but people need downtime to relax and recover. Being permanently connected 24/7 doesn't give you any downtime and even if the phone is not ringing if you are anxiously checking it then you aren't relaxing enough.

If you are addicted to your BlackBerry we cannot offer you any easy solutions. A gradual reduction of the hours you keep it on is a start - remember the emails will still be there in the morning and most, if not all, can wait until then.

There was a time before mobile phones existed, although we don't know how we managed back then, and maybe you need to take a step back and re-learn how to relax and switch off.

Remember, there is more to life than work and you need to get the balance right. Taking some of the stress out of your life will also help you become more productive when you are at work.

So, don't worry, be happy, and learn to switch off your business mobile phone.

Posted in: business mobiles , telecoms

Has your business got its communications in order? Do you have a number of different suppliers for business mobiles, landlines, broadband etc.? Are they all renewed at different times? Do they work together as well as they could?

It's easy to overlook your telecommunications, especially if you are busy running your business. Even if you obtain alternative quotes for each service when it falls due for renewal this doesn't guarantee that you are getting the best deal and will certainly not ensure the optimum combination of services.

If anything in the previous two paragraphs rings true with your organisation you would be wise to think about contacting a single company who can offer all of these services and provide you with a converged solution.

Taking out multiple services with one provider will almost certainly result in cost savings. Additionally your billing becomes simpler with a single easy-to-understand bill.

When there's a problem there's only one number to ring and it will get sorted out quickly without you having to phone multiple suppliers, being passed from pillar to post being told "it's not our fault, contact your other suppliers".

Best of all a telecoms healthcheck for your business is free of charge. It doesn't involve you in a lot of work or take time out of your busy schedule, in fact it can be done in a few minutes by simply faxing us a copy of your current bills.

From this we can calculate the optimum tariffs based upon your actual usage. So if you are making a lot of calls to mobiles from your landlines we will make sure this is catered for either by a special package or utilising mobile/landline technology such as a premicell.

We can also integrate all of your telecoms with your IT systems so that they can communicate together in the most efficient way, using call management systems and online services where appropriate.

For a free business phone quote just get in touch by phone or online to see how we could help you.

Posted in: business broadband , business landlines , business mobiles , telecoms

We have launched our new blog dealing with all of our products and services and keeping our visitors updated with all of our news.

We have a range of products, the core of our business being business mobiles and business landlines. But we also offer business broadband, mobile broadband, vehicle tracking, call management, telephone numbers - if it is in the telecoms arena we can supply it.

Our many existing business customers range from one-man-bands to companies with several hundred employees. Some just take one service from us but increasingly we are providing multiple services.

The benefits of taking out a converged solution include:

• Cost Savings
• Reduced Administration
• Better Problem Resolution
• Enhanced Customer Service

Caution - having multiple providers for your various telecommunication products can lead to multiple headaches for your business!

To find out what we can offer your business or to discuss your requirements please contact us.

Posted in: business broadband , business landlines , business mobiles , mobile broadband , telecoms