Corporate travel is a whirlwind of meetings, flights, and deadlines, but one thing that shouldn’t add to the chaos is sky-high mobile roaming charges. For UK businesses with employees crisscrossing the globe, managing connectivity costs while ensuring seamless communication is a constant balancing act. Enter global eSIM technology—a solution that’s transforming how companies keep their teams connected without breaking the bank. This article dives into practical strategies to cut roaming expenses, backed by real-world data and insights, to help IT managers and finance teams optimise budgets while maintaining reliable connectivity.

The Hidden Sting of Roaming Costs

In 2025, UK businesses face a stark reality: mobile roaming charges have surged since Brexit ended the EU’s “Roam Like Home” policy. According to a 2025 report by National World, UK travellers can face roaming bills as high as £210 for a month-long multi-country trip outside the EU, with daily fees from major operators like Vodafone (£2.25/day in 48 EU countries) and EE (£2.29/day in 53 destinations) adding up quickly. For a company with 50 employees travelling internationally, these costs can spiral into tens of thousands annually. Yet, connectivity is non-negotiable—sales teams need to access CRM platforms, executives rely on video calls, and IT departments must ensure secure data access on the go.

Why Global eSIM is a Game-Changer

A global Data eSIM offers a digital alternative to traditional SIM cards, allowing users to switch networks remotely via a mobile app or QR code. Unlike physical SIMs, eSIMs support multiple profiles (up to eight on most devices), enabling seamless transitions between local networks in over 190 countries. A 2023 GSMA report highlighted that eSIM adoption among mobile network operators grew by 72% between 2021 and 2023, with 98% of operators planning to offer eSIM services by 2025. This rapid uptake reflects the technology’s ability to deliver cost-effective, flexible connectivity.

For businesses, global eSIMs eliminate the need to purchase local SIMs at every destination or rely on expensive roaming plans. For example, a case study from Mobilise Global in 2023 showcased how FreedomPop, a mobile virtual network operator, used eSIMs to expand internationally, reducing roaming costs by 40% for their enterprise clients. By partnering with local carriers, FreedomPop offered prepaid data plans at near-local rates, a model that UK businesses can replicate.

Strategies to Slash Costs with Global eSIM

1. Adopt Prepaid eSIM Data Plans - Instead of paying daily roaming fees, businesses can opt for prepaid global eSIM plans tailored to specific destinations. For instance, Transatel’s Ubigi eSIM offers 5GB for 30 days in Europe for £8.10, compared to £35.25 for 7GB via Vodafone’s traditional roaming plan. This represents a potential saving of over 75%, as noted in a 2022 Transatel analysis. IT teams can pre-purchase plans for employees based on travel itineraries, ensuring predictable costs.
2. Leverage Remote Provisioning for Scalability - eSIMs integrate seamlessly with Mobile Device Management (MDM) platforms like Microsoft Intune, allowing IT managers to provision and monitor connectivity remotely. A 2025 Business Travel Show Europe article highlighted how a global bank used eSIMs to manage connectivity for 2,000 employees, cutting provisioning time by 60% and reducing roaming costs by 30% through centralised plan management. This approach is ideal for companies with frequent travellers or hybrid workforces.
3. Encourage Data-Only Communication- By shifting to data-only plans and using apps like WhatsApp or Microsoft Teams for calls and messages, businesses can bypass expensive voice and SMS charges. Ubigi’s 2021 data showed that UK travellers using eSIM data plans for WhatsApp-based communication saved up to 80% compared to traditional roaming. Employees can stay connected for work-critical tasks without incurring additional costs.
4. Monitor Usage with Real-Time Analytics- Many global eSIM providers offer apps with real-time usage tracking, helping businesses avoid overage fees. For example, Jetpac’s eSIM app, as reviewed by Cybernews in 2024, allows IT managers to monitor data consumption and top up plans without Wi-Fi, ensuring no surprises on the bill. A case study from Dixons Carphone, cited by Mobilise Global, showed a 25% reduction in roaming costs after implementing usage analytics with eSIMs.
5. Choose Flexible Multi-Country Plans - For employees travelling across multiple countries, global eSIM plans covering regions like Europe or Asia are cost-efficient. Yesim’s 10GB/30-day plan for 33 countries costs £14.40, as per National World’s 2025 guide, compared to £60+ for equivalent roaming with major UK operators. This flexibility ensures employees stay connected without needing new plans for each destination.

Making the Switch to Global eSIM

Transitioning to global eSIM requires minimal effort but yields significant rewards. Start by ensuring employee devices are eSIM-compatible (most post-2018 smartphones, like iPhone 11+ or Samsung S20+, support eSIMs). Then, select a provider with robust coverage and business-friendly features, such as Utelize Mobile’s solutions for corporate connectivity. For detailed insights on implementing global eSIMs, Utelize Mobile’s guide offers a practical starting point.

By adopting these strategies, UK businesses can slash roaming costs by up to 80% while ensuring employees stay connected, secure, and productive. In a world where every pound counts, global eSIM technology is the key to smarter, more cost-effective corporate travel.

Sources: National World (2025), GSMA (2023), Transatel (2022), Mobilise Global (2023), Business Travel Show Europe (2025), Cybernews (2024)