EE Broadband Features
EE Broadband review
EE was launched in 2009 after the merger of T-Mobile UK and Orange UK. EE, previously known as ‘Everything Everywhere’, is the UK’s largest mobile network operator. They’re owned by the BT Group who’s ventures also include Plusnet and BT. EE now offer a range of services including: standard ADSL broadband, fibre broadband, 4G & 5G home broadband, landline call packages, mobile phones and subscription TV plans.
Is EE Broadband as good as BT?
Despite BT & EE being part of the BT Group, their broadband and home phone packages are not the same. However, the infrastructure is identical as both providers use the BT Openreach network. Each provider has their pros & cons - it just depends what you need.
BT offer their broadband customers free access to over 5 million Wi-Fi hotspots, something that you don’t get as an EE customer. They also offer you a BT Smart Hub 2 router - one of the best ISP routers on the market! It’s worth noting however, that when your BT contract ends – you’ll need to hand your router back to BT! However, EE will let you keep your router at the end of your contract. EE will also offer to pay £50 towards any early termination charges if you decide to leave your current provider before your contract has expired. As standard, BT offer inclusive evening and weekend landline calls. With EE calls are pay as you go unless you upgrade to an ‘inclusive calls’ plan.
Exclusive deals for EE pay monthly mobile customers
EE broadband and BT are very similar pricewise, but their special offers do vary considerably. For example, if you’re already an EE mobile pay monthly customer (on a minimum 12-month contract), then you will automatically be eligible for a 10% discount off the standard EE broadband rates. You’ll also be able to take advantage of their current offer of a FREE Apple 4K TV with access to BT Sports and 12 months subscription to Apple TV+. And, you’ll receive up to 20Gb data boost for your EE mobile (data boost applies to one phone per household).
EE Bright Box 1 router review
The basic EE Bright Box 1 is a 2.4Ghz single band router and comes free with any EE standard ADSL broadband package (10Mbps average download speed). This is more than adequate for small households (2 / 3 people) who want basic internet access for emails, online browsing and standard definition TV streaming.
If you want to stream hi definition 4K TV content and use the internet for online gaming, we would recommend upgrading to a fibre broadband connection. The EE Bright Box 1 router supports Wireless 802.11b/g/n with a maximum data transfer rate of 300Mbps.
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EE Smart Hub router review
If you order any EE fibre broadband package, you’ll receive the EE Smart Hub router which is a re-branded BT Smart Hub. It supports 802.11ac technology and is also backwards compatible with 802.11b/g/n, The EE Smart Hub is a dual band router which means it can provide Wi-Fi on both the standard 2.4Ghz frequency and the faster 5Ghz Wi-Fi range. When comparing the download speed to some other leading providers, the EE Smart Hub came out better than the Virgin Media Super Hub 2 AC, the Sky Q router and the Plusnet One router. The Wi-Fi range is more than twice that of the Bright Box 1 router. This is in part due to the upgraded 3x3 11n + 4x4 11ac antenna system (basically seven internal antennas), which also makes it capable of achieving a data transfer rate of 1917Mbps over Wi-Fi. The router also has 4x gigabit Ethernet LAN ports on the rear.
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EE 4G Home Broadband
EE offer 4G home broadband without a phone line. There are no installation fees, it works simply via a router with a sim card. With a 4GEE home router you can choose between an 18 month pay monthly plan, a 30 day plan or a pay as you go plan. Average speeds are 31Mbps and the router is portable within the UK. It can be cost effective if there are minimal users and only light usage (i.e. emails and web browsing).
Can I get EE broadband without a phone line?
With any standard (i.e. ADSL) broadband connection the broadband is sent down the copper phone line. Even if you have Superfast fibre broadband the last part of the connection from the telephone exchange to your property still requires the phone line. If you are ordering EE broadband and opt to remove the landline service you will save £2 per month. Be aware there will be no dial tone and you will not be able to make or receive calls, including emergency calls on your home phone. To dial the emergency services you will need to use a mobile phone. Any alarms which use the landline service will stop working and you’ll lose your existing home phone number.
Can I keep my home phone number if I switch to EE broadband?
The simple answer is YES! As long as you're not moving house away from your current telephone exchange. The telecoms regulator Ofcom clearly stipulate that if you have not moved, your old provider must allow your number to be transferred.