EE UK Launch Delayed SIM-Only Superfast 4G Mobile Broadband Plans

Mobile operator EE (4GEE) has finally launched the much delayed SIM-Only (SIM-Free) packages for their new 4G (1800MHz) superfast Mobile Broadband network. But are they worth it?

The SIM-Only deals were originally due to go live at the end of last month, when the operator first launched, but the new tariffs ended up being delayed after the operators “comprehensive testing process” took longer than expected to complete. The delay was supposed to last “a few days” but it ended up taking closer to 3 weeks.

But will customers think the plans are good value for money? A 12 month contract term applies and the data usage allowances are small. Some mobile operators, such as Three UK, offer 1 month contracts with their SIM-Only deals and bigger data allowances. On the other hand you do get “unlimited” calls and texts.

SIM-Only Plans with Unlimited Texts and Calls
500MB – £21 a month
1GB – £26
3GB – £31
5GB – £36

Customers can also Tether their phones or use VoIP (e.g. Skype) services as part of the plan. Access to BT’s national WiFi Hotspot network is also included for free. Paying an extra £5 a month will get unlimited voice and text for use while roaming but this requires a 24-month plan. On top of that there’s also access to the EE Film service and the offer of 2 for 1 cinema tickets every Wednesday.

In our view the usage allowances are too small for a 4G network and EE might have missed a trick by failing to do something better than its rivals in this department. Similarly their website, which is heavy on big-text, huge images and page folding animations, could do with some work to improve navigation and readability.