5 Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Mobile Device Partner

The typical worker is no longer static, sitting at one office desk and operating via one computer.

In today’s world, they’re digital nomads, shifting locations, working through multiple devices and balancing their tasks around their day-to-day lives to maximise productivity.

Mobile devices are key to this. A 2024 survey of 2,000 hybrid workers found that 86% believe mobile connectivity plays an important role in job performance. This technology allows workers to access information, respond to queries and collaborate seamlessly, no matter their location.

Yet with the potential challenges mobile use presents in terms of security, maintenance and efficiency, it’s crucial for businesses to ensure they’re working with the right service provider.

If you’re assessing mobile device partners, here are several key factors you need to consider:

1. Device range/reliability

When it comes to mobile devices, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution for businesses, different teams and departments will have different needs.

For instance, workers handling sensitive business or customer information will require defence-grade security measures, like Samsung Knox.

On the other hand, employees out in the field for long hours in adverse conditions will need ruggedised mobile devices like the Samsung Galaxy XCover 7, with extended battery life, an ultra-sensitive touchscreen and enhanced durability.

The ideal mobile device partner will be able to offer you a broad range of options that align closely with your business goals. Virgin Media O₂ Business, in partnership with Samsung, offer a wide selection of devices, each with different strengths and capabilities.

2. Network coverage/quality

Another significant challenge hybrid and remote workers face with mobile devices is a lack of reliable connectivity.

The resulting downtime can be costly for businesses, and along with resulting in lost productivity could even impact the wellbeing of your workforce.

When assessing potential mobile device providers, connectivity should be a key focus. To hone in on their capabilities, ask a potential vendor about the network coverage and signal strengths they’re able to offer.

With the reach and coverage of Virgin Media O₂ Business, you can have confidence in your Samsung devices and their ability to keep your teams connected, no matter where they’re working from.

3. Cost and financing options

As any leader knows, business is often unpredictable. The decade so far has taught us to expect the unexpected, while emphasising the importance of flexibility.

This is particularly true when it comes to finances and expenditure. If you’re a growing business or expect peaks and troughs in demand, the last thing you want is to be tied to a fixed payment plan or service that you can’t afford or simply don’t need.

Virgin Media O₂ Business offers tailored services that are designed with flexibility in mind. They can be scaled as you grow to meet the specific needs of your business, ensuring you’ll only ever pay for what you actually need.

What’s more, with flexible finance options you can spread out the cost of mobile devices, reducing the initial outlay and impact on your bottom line.

4. Customer service and support

Your partnership with a mobile device provider shouldn’t just end once the devices are delivered.

The ideal vendor will provide continuous support, from deployment through to utilisation and beyond.

At Virgin Media O₂ Business, our business device services come complete with support, maintenance and expert guidance, helping you optimise device deployment, maintain their condition and optimise their performance.

This way, you can realise the full benefits of your investment.

5. Security features

Perhaps the most important consideration when assessing a potential mobile device partner is their approach to security.

While the emergence of hybrid and deskless work have brought a wide range of benefits for employers and employees alike, they’ve also created new security weaknesses.

Falling victim to a cyberattack could put sensitive business and customer data at risk and lead to significant financial penalties and reputational damage.

With Samsung’s defence-grade Knox platform, your devices will be equipped with advanced security measures from the word go, including triple-factor authentication, mobile device management and encryption.

In combination with our stringent security measures, you can have confidence that the devices and the networks your teams use are compliant with the latest safety standards.

How Virgin Media O₂ Business and Samsung can help

It’s crucial to identify the mobile device partner best suited to your specific needs. By assessing them against these key features, you can find the ideal provider best placed to support your business as it grows.

Virgin Media O₂ Business and Samsung's offerings can provide you with a comprehensive solution for your business, no matter the size and scale of your operations.

With our combined experience, technical knowledge and network capabilities, we can help you see an immediate impact from your mobile device investment – all in a service and partnership that aligns with your goals.