EE Reviews

Our In-Depth EE Review - The Best and Worst Bits About EE

The largest 4G Network in the UK but are they worth the slightly higher price? We tell you all you need to know about the UK’s largest network operator.

After merging Orange and T-Mobile, EE made a name for itself by pioneering 4G technology in the UK. They were the UK’s first network to launch a 4G service and since then EE has continued to invest heavily in infrastructure up and down the country,

EE now has double-speed 4G coverage in two-thirds of the country along with 4G+ (LTE-Advanced) coverage to customers in London. The network also launched Wi-Fi Calling for greater reliability when making calls indoors.

In our EE review, we take an in-depth look at everything the network has to offer from coverage through to perks that come with their pay monthly plans. Along with the types of coverage offered and how speeds on EE compare to rival networks. We’ll also look at the list of MVNOs using coverage from EE.

TL;DR

Tiger Mobiles rate EE as the best network in the UK right now even if they are slightly pricier than some of the other network providers out there.

If 4G coverage and fast downloads are what you are after then EE is the best choice in 2019. More budget orientated? Instead take a look at giffgaff.

Our 3 favourite things about EE

• Easily the best coverage in the UK
• Fastest 4G when compared to other providers
• Flex Plans offer great flexibility and data boosts

The 3 things we dislike most about EE

• On average they’re more expensive than rival networks
• Wi-fi calling only available on pay monthly
• Only a few devices can take advantage of Wi-Fi calling

EE Coverage – The UK’s Most Widespread 4G Signal

EE is part of the ‘Big 4’ networks in the UK who own all their own infrastructure.

They were the first provider to launch 4G in 2012 and that first-mover advantage has meant they’re ahead of the rest when it comes to nationwide 4G coverage with a reported 99% of the UK population can now receive EE’s 4G signal.

Constant investment also means they’re trying to reach further and further geographically with 4G. It’s their aim to roll out 4G to 95% of the UK meaning those in remote rural areas should be able to receive a signal. But don’t just take EE’s word for it, before you take out an EE deal, we recommend you check the coverage in your area.

The best way to do this is to use EE’s online coverage map. Enter your postcode to get an estimate of the service in that area. It’s worth testing all of the places where you spend most of your time.

In terms of minimum coverage required, for calling and texting, any type of coverage will be suitable. But for usable internet and for using applications, then you will need at least 3G or 4G coverage.

Whilst accurate, the level of coverage shown on EE’s maps is only on a guide based on the best possible conditions. For example, if you live in a basement apartment you might not receive the level of coverage EE is estimating. If you have friends on EE it can be worth testing their SIM card in your phone and seeing what sort of coverage you get. Or you could also request a free PAYG SIM from EE to test.

What Types of Coverage Do EE Offer?

2G coverage

2G is the oldest type of mobile network in use today. 2G technology is primarily used for calling and texting but it also allows you to perform some basic browsing (2G is roughly the speed of dial-up internet). Having a strong 2G network is still vitally important: it gives your phone a reliable fall-back for when the 3G and 4G networks aren’t available.

3G coverage

3G does everything 2G can but also lets you browse the internet at download speeds similar to a basic non-fibre broadband connection. If you have a smartphone which most people do, you really need at least 3G coverage in your area.

4G coverage

4G is the newest type of mobile network technology. It offers much faster download speeds compared to it’s older brother 3G. This means you’ll get an experience similar to a fast broadband connection and in many cases, 4G can outperform fixed line speeds using older wiring.

Double Speed 4G and 4G+ Coverage

Along with standard 4G coverage, EE also has two slightly faster variations. EE’s double-speed 4G service currently has 75% population coverage across the UK. Compared to normal 4G, download speeds are boosted up to 24-30Mbit/s from the standard 12-15Mbit/s. Double-speed 4G is only available on compatible smartphones and with a 4GEE Extra tariff.

For customers unlucky enough to be living in London, there is one saving grace. You can get even higher speeds on the 4G+ or LTE-Advanced service. You again need a 4GEE Extra tariff and a compatible smartphone but you can access maximum download speeds of up to 90Mbit/s.

EE Wi-Fi Calling

If you often use your phone when there is no conventional mobile signal such as underground or in a building with thick walls then EE’s WiFi calling is a great option. Wi-fi calling will also allow you to make and receive phone calls on the London Underground.

Instead of using a standard mobile signal for calls, WiFi calling lets you use a WiFi connection instead. You’ll need to join an EE pay monthly contract because EE doesn’t support WiFi calling for their pay as you go customers. You will also need a compatible handset and you can check on the EE website for compatibility. Most modern smartphones allow it so the iPhone X, iPhone 8, Huawei P20 and Samsung Galaxy S9 will all work.

Tethering

Tethering lets you use your smartphone as a portable WiFi hotspot. Your device uses the regular mobile data signal and you can connect other devices like laptops or tablets to the hotspot and share the connection. It’s ideal if you want to get online but there’s no regular WiFi or if you’re not comfortable using public wi-fi.

EE allows you to tether on any of their plans: pay monthly or pay as you go. Just remember you can quickly burn through your data allowance when you’re tethering so be prepared to buy an add-on if you run out.

EE Roaming

EE include roaming as standard across all their pay monthly plans (EE SIM only or phone contracts) and let’s use your allowance across 48 free roaming destinations without paying extra for your regular usage.

EE also takes things a step further than the minimum EU requirements by offering roaming in 5 other worldwide destinations: Australia, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and the USA. But this is only available on 4GEE Max plans.

In most countries, you will receive 2G and 3G coverage. 4G roaming is currently available in 16 countries: Belgium (on Mobistar), Canada (on Rogers), France (on Orange), Germany (on T-Mobile), Italy (on TIM), Luxembourg (on Orange), Moldova (on Orange), Netherlands (on KPN), Norway (on Telenor), Poland (on Orange), Portugal (on Optimus), Russia (on MTS), Saudi Arabia (on Mobily), Spain (on Orange), Switzerland (on Swisscom) and the United Arab Emirates (on Etisalat).

Looking for the best network for worldwide roaming? Consider Three’s ‘Feel at Home’ offering.

EE Shared Plans

EE offer 10% off any extra pay monthly deal you add to your account.

Alongside that they also let you transfer data as part of their ‘data gifting’ policy. You can move data around each of the plans on your account if someone runs out and someone else has some spare.

We’ve reviewed the best mobile phone family plans in depth and whilst EE perform well, BT Mobile (who own EE and therefore use their network) come out on top.

Typical Speeds and Comparison to Other UK Networks

Download speeds are tested frequently by a number of independent testing firms. EE tend to perform solidly across the board coming out on top in a number of the latest tests.

Speedtest Market Reports

Formerly known as Ookla, the Speedtest Market Reports provide data on mobile networks around the world. Each report includes in-depth data and insights based on the results of millions of Speedtest users, providing an accurate and reliable snapshot of UK network speeds. You can see the latest data below:

Open Signal

Open Signal measures coverage and average download speeds. The app will automatically work in the background. The data is sent wireless to Open Signal who build a nationwide picture of coverage and speeds. The latest awards are below:

• Download Speed 4G: EE
• Download Speed 3G: 3
• Download Speed Overall: EE
• Upload Speed 4G: EE
• Latency 4G: EE
• Latency 3G: Tied EE & Vodafone
• Availability 4G: EE

Other Networks (MVNOs) Using the EE Network

EE also sells network space to several virtual network operators in the UK, including Asda, BT Mobile and Virgin Mobile.

These networks piggyback on EE to provide the coverage for their customers and with the three above all having access to EE 4G’s capabilities.

Throttling & Traffic Management Policy

EE has a traffic management policy in place to prevent abuse but it’s not overly strict.

The main restriction is the download and upload limit on P2P services for torrenting etc.

From 8 am to 2 am, P2P traffic is throttled to 50kbit/s. Outside these hours, P2P traffic is limited to 1.8Mbit/s.

EE also block unauthenticated SMTP e-mail servers to reduce their IP’s being used for spam e-mail.

EE Customer Service

As per the latest Ofcom league table, EE receives fewer complaints per 100,000 customers than the average across all providers (2 per 100k compared to 5 per 100k average for the other three networks).

More Information

Got a question about EE? You can contact us and we’ll do our best to help. Want to leave a review about EE? You can do so at the top of this page and help customers make a more informed choice.