EE broadband features and review
EE was formed from a joint venture between Orange and T-Mobile to launch the UK’s first 4G network and later branched out into fixed-line home broadband. It’s now offering both ADSL and fibre home broadband and TV bundles alongside fast mobile broadband.
EE home broadband replaced the long-running Orange home broadband which was popular for offering very cheap internet to mobile subscribers. Crucially, EE mobile customers continue to benefit from free extras when using EE at home.
What does EE offer?
On Broadband Genie you'll find EE's broadband deals for new customers. Find out what they offer below:
Broadband
EE is a BT Openreach network reseller, so you’ll find its range of broadband products is the same as many other top broadband providers, with the choice of both ADSL and fibre optic connectivity. Your options will depend on availability in your area (see EE broadband availability below). EE broadband deals come bundled with a free EE broadband Wi-Fi router and free online security tools.
Phone
All EE broadband deals include line rental with inclusive weekend calls to UK landlines - the price you see on our comparison tables for EE broadband packages is the cost of both the broadband and line rental. Anytime and mobile calls can be added to your bundle for an additional monthly fee.
TV
If you’d like to pick up a broadband and TV bundle, that’s available too. EE TV deals include a TV box with 1TB hard drive which offers live pause and rewind and recording features. You get access to Freeview broadcasts plus catch-up TV and optional pay services such as NOW TV. Multiscreen support is included, allowing you to view up to four different programmes using both the TV and mobile devices.
Mobile
EE operates the UK’s largest 4G network and regularly ranks as the fastest mobile internet provider. EE mobile customers who sign up for EE home broadband also benefit from a bonus of 5GB extra mobile data every month.
EE broadband coverage and speed
As a reseller of BT Openreach services, EE home broadband is available to most homes and businesses around the country. Just about everyone can get at least ADSL with an average speed around 10Mb, and the majority also have access to fibre optic broadband.
To get started, enter your postcode into the postcode search on our comparison tables to filter internet deals by location. You can then use the filters and sorting options to find your perfect package.
EE broadband speed
EE broadband packages are available with three different speeds:
- ADSL: 10Mb average speed
- Fibre optic: 36Mb average speed
- Fibre optic extra: 67Mb average speed
But which is right for you?
ADSL broadband is cheap and usually fast enough to cope with anything you might want to do online. However, it’s not well suited to being shared among more than a couple of people at a time. It also has a very slow upload speed, which could be a problem if you regularly transfer large files.
Faster EE fibre-optic broadband is far better suited to downloading and uploading large files and can cope with many people sharing the connection. But you will pay slightly more for the privilege.
Remember that broadband speeds can vary depending on your location and other factors. You'll be given an accurate speed estimate when joining EE so you'll have all the information before committing to a contract.
To find out more about this topic, read our guide to broadband speeds.
EE usage limits and traffic management
EE fibre broadband packages are all unlimited and do not have traffic management.
Most ADSL connections are also unrestricted. However, in some areas, the exchange may be classed as “off net” (meaning EE did not previously have LLU equipment installed). In that situation, an EE ADSL broadband package will be restricted to 20GB usage and use traffic management.
EE broadband - in summary
With unlimited data and no traffic management on many of its packages, plus reasonably low prices, EE is a good value offering. And EE mobile users benefit from an extra 5GB data each month.
But not every service is unlimited - those outside the EE network (admittedly only a small percentage of homes nowadays) will find that ADSL packages are not as competitive as they will come with usage caps and traffic management. And regardless of what package you choose, there’s only ever the option of a comparatively lengthy 18-month contract.
We like EE’s TV box for its handy multiroom and customisable guide features, but it’s a shame that unlike many of the other TV and broadband providers you don’t get any additional premium channels for the extra monthly fee.
To find out more read our full EE Broadband review.