Tide, the UK business management platform recently valued at $1.5billion, has entered into a new strategic partnership with telecom infrastructure provider Gigs. Together, the firms are launching a native mobile offering powered by Vodafone’s 5G network, expanding Tide’s all-in-one app capabilities to include direct telecommunications services.
This milestone marks the very first time a UK business banking provider has directly integrated a full mobile plan and phone number into its core platform.
Undercutting traditional business telecoms
The new embedded service aims to significantly undercut traditional UK business telecom providers by offering highly competitive rates directly to its existing user base. Tide members who are currently subscribed to the platform’s Smart, Pro, and Max tiers can now instantly add a dedicated business number via a free eSIM. This base offering comes complete with unlimited calls and text messages.
For entrepreneurs and small businesses requiring heavier connectivity, the platform offers an upgraded premium package. Users can opt for unlimited 5G data alongside 10 gigabytes of European Union roaming for a flat rate of £15 per month.
With nearly 800,000 UK members—which represents approximately 14 per cent of the entire small business market—Tide possesses a massive potential subscriber base for this new telecom venture. By embedding this service, the fintech is allowing small business owners to access and manage their essential digital connectivity within the exact same app where they already manage their daily business finances and cash flow.
The European embedded connectivity wave
This launch highlights a broader industry trend, signalling that telecommunications connectivity is rapidly turning into a new, highly competitive battleground for European financial technology firms. The embedded connectivity wave is gaining significant momentum, following closely on the heels of the Revolut Mobile launch in the UK, which was also powered by Gigs in December.
The movement extends well beyond the European market. Across the globe, major fintech leaders including Nubank, Klarna, Wealthsimple, and Sezzle have already made their own successful forays into the telecommunications space by leveraging Gigs’ infrastructure.