Mobile data shortage ‘worse than running out of stock’ UK businesses say

A study of 1,000 business leaders found 56% who ran out of mobile data in the past two years experienced financial losses

UK business leaders estimate they are losing an average of £3,462 in revenue every year – due to running out of mobile data. Research involving 1,000 company bosses and decision-makers who depend on mobile connectivity revealed that 56% of those whose data had expired over the past two years suffered monetary setbacks as a result.

The most damaging interruptions were not being able to make transactions (35%), clients not being able to make contact (34%) and losing access to essential business applications (33%). Nearly half (45%) claim running out of mobile data would be worse for their trade than running out of stock.

Nine in ten describe connectivity as the ‘lifeblood’ of their business, with 54% saying not having any data left would create greater headaches than a complete power outage.

Mayuresh Thavapalan, commercial and marketing director for Sky Business, which commissioned the OnePoll research, said: “Once upon a time, you only needed a physical space and stock to sell your wares, now there’s another vital resource businesses depend on every day.

“When mobile data dries up, so can the payments, purchases, deliveries, and all-important customer service.”

he study also found a third of those polled said staff lose access to data at least once a month, due to caps being reached earlier than expected (37%), unexpected surges (30%) and staff not being aware of data limits (28%).

To prevent this from occurring, 94% take measures such as setting data alerts, paying for unlimited contracts and using data-saving apps. Meanwhile, 24% go as far as checking their usage on a daily basis.

More than a third (34%) confessed they would form judge about company if their customer experience was interrupted due to data problems. Furthermore, 33% revealed they would hesitate before using those services again.

Mayuresh Thavapalan for Sky Business, which has recently launched Sky Business mobile, a business plan which automatically rolls over unused data and shares it with the team, added: “The research clearly shows that running out of data doesn’t just have a tangible impact on current opportunities but can have long-term impact on loyalty and reputation.

“Eliminating waste while ensuring connectivity is a sure-fire way to keep your SME running efficiently and, most importantly, ensuring happy customers that will keep coming back again and again.”