Switching networks for a small business

[MonsterMoshi]

Some background:
We run a small plumbing and heating business currently with four phones and an iPad on a contract with Orange. We have had this contract for about 12 years as we have previously been quite content with the service which Orange have provided.
More recently we have a much poorer signal in our house where we run the business from so it is becoming a major issue and we needed a solution. Having queried Orange about a signal booster on a number of occasions and receiving a straight no from a number of different staff who didn't seem to care and could provide no solutions whatsoever when i advised them that we would be leaving if it could not be resolved.

So with two of the phones at the end of their contract in a weeks time then I need to find an alternative.
We are looking primarily at switching networks too one which can provide better coverage and service as well as obviously being, if possible, cheaper.

I am focusing more on Vodafone as a potential alternative network because they seem to be able to provide many extra services to small business customers which other do not. This seems to me that they value small business customer much more than other so they seem a good alternative. They also the the sure signal device so reception in our house will not be an issue.

We are looking to go for sim-only contracts this time if it works out much cheaper.
If we go sim-only, one handset will be the next iPhone and the other (i think) will be a Samsung Xcover 2 unless anyone can recommend another rugged smartphone for a plumber?

Does anyone else have any useful information i should know about good networks for small businesses? Any experiences with Vodafone or any other networks for a small business?
Currently i only really have their website to go off and that will stick until i can phone on monday.

 

[Myshra]

Big ol' disclaimer - I work for Voda's international arm.

Which ever network you go to the best bet is speaking to the SME business team about your requirements and ask them what they can do for you. You may find some products you were perhaps not considering (such as onenet - other networks have similar) or even better - a decent group deal. The tools to manage the account vary greatly is one thing I would mention (and their billing systems) if tracking is a concern. As signal is an issue, consider grabbing a PAYG SIM and seeing if you get signal at your home base but other networks will provide femto cells to business - I think EE may just have dropped the ball here.

Rugged phones? S4 active will be pretty person proof, Sony do a water proof Xperia Z mid/high end Android, an iPhone in an otterbox (type of case that costs a packet but it's good). Anything without a case will probably end up with a sad ending but you can get decent insurance on business contracts as well - just ask the chaps.

There's a nice helpful chap who works for EE on these forums, if you want to give them another chance then contact BigBruiserAl.