Get Double Data upgrades as business mobile usage reaches record levels

Following our analysis of how rapidly mobile data consumption has grown, we've introduced upgrades designed to reflect the reality of modern working. Mobile devices are no longer simply used for making calls; they've become essential business tools.

According to Ofcom, total UK mobile data volumes reached 873 petabytes (one petabyte is equivalent to 1,000,000 gigabytes) during the whole of 2015. By July 2025, UK mobile networks were carrying 1,257 petabytes in a single month, meaning just one month of data traffic exceeded the entire annual total recorded a decade earlier.

For us, those figures reflect a fundamental shift in the way organisations now operate.

"Mobile phones have become the office in your pocket," says Jim Clapham, Director at Lister Unified Communications.

"Ten years ago they were mainly used for calls and emails. Today they're supporting Teams and Zoom meetings, cloud-based applications, CRM systems, AI tools, remote working, hotspotting and the transfer of increasingly large files. The amount of data businesses consume has changed beyond recognition."

We've found that hybrid working has significantly increased reliance on mobile connectivity, with employees frequently using their phones as hotspots while working away from the office. High-definition video meetings also consume far more data than many businesses realise, with a single one-hour HD meeting capable of using between two and three gigabytes of data.

"Many businesses are still on tariffs that were designed for how people worked several years ago," says Jim.

"Employees can quickly reach their monthly data allowance without doing anything unusual. Once that happens, productivity suffers, whether that's slower speeds, unexpected charges or simply not being able to access the applications they need."

The latest Ofcom market data reinforces the trend, with mobile data volumes increasing by 13.1% year on year during the first quarter of 2026, while mobile retail revenues also continued to grow.

"For us, this wasn't about creating another promotion," Jim continues.

"We looked at the data, listened to what our customers were telling us and recognised that businesses' requirements have changed. We wanted to respond with something that delivers genuine value rather than asking customers to pay more simply because they're using their mobiles in the way modern businesses now need to."

As a result, we're doubling the data allowance on a range of selected business tariffs across both O2 and Vodafone.

"We want our customers to have confidence that their mobile connectivity can keep pace with the way they work," says Jim.

"You shouldn't have to think twice about joining a video meeting, connecting through a hotspot or accessing cloud applications because you're worried about running out of data. This initiative is about giving you the flexibility to work wherever business takes you."

The offer is available from 3 August to 30 October 2026 on selected business mobile tariffs with a minimum 24-month contract. Data allowances revert to standard tariff levels at the end of the initial contract term.

If you'd like to find out more about our Double Data offer, contact our team on 01453 829200, email sales@lister-communications.co.uk or get in touch through the website.