How phone and network companies in the UK have managed to thrive during the pandemic

A lot of businesses were hard hit during 2020 as a result of the pandemic, but a few were able to overcome difficulties and in actuality, ended up thriving, perhaps even more so than before. Whilst the entire population retreated indoors, with the exception of key workers, people needed to connect to the outside world via social media, phone conversations, virtual meetings, streaming sites to play endless films/tv series and to keep up to date with the Covid-19 updates. The demand for phone data and network coverage had never been so high. 

One of the phone companies that certainly profited from this surge in demand was Apple, who were able to prosper successfully throughout 2020. 

Financial Times Chart

Apple at the top of the phone company league

Apple has been able to establish themselves as such a prominent brand since its launch in 1976, that the majority of people are willing to part with their hard earned cash to afford one of their costly new products. Their dedicated followers are certainly loyal to the brand.  

All the mobile networks have cottoned on to the idea that to draw people onto their contracts they need to offer an Apple phone, even if they have to provide the cheapest iPhone 12 contract available, people will soon be flocking into stores to obtain one. 

Why the network companies that provide better data coverage are winning

The network company that consistently provides good data coverage in cities and densely populated areas is EE. In December 2020 they established 99% coverage in the UK, which is certainly difficult to overtake if you are a competitor. This is also dependent on the type of phone that you purchase and the contract. Even their lowest priced plan enables up to 60Mpbs connection speeds. It’s constant good overall coverage means that customers are willing to pay a bit more for their contracts, if it means successfully connecting to the network. Which during a pandemic is vital when you need to work from home, have a social chat or to watch something on your device. 

Providing the necessary download speeds that we have all learnt to expect is what enables EE to remain at the top of this field compared to its other three competitors in the UK. There is a significant difference between what EE provides speed wise, to Vodafone which is currently in second place. 

Mobile Internet Statistics-Finder

With at least 84% of the adult population in possession of a smartphone, spending on average over 2hours a day, predominantly scrolling through social media, there is certainly not going to be a decline in demand for the optimum download speed utilising the latest smartphone you can get your hands on. The phone and network companies are certainly winning throughout this pandemic. 

1. Which mobile network has the best phone coverage in the UK?– Uswitch
2.  Mobile internet statistics – 2020 | Finder UK