EE UK Extends Stay Connected Unlimited Data to More Plans
Mobile operator EE has announced that their “Stay Connected” feature, which effectively enables unlimited mobile broadband use on even 4G or 5G Pay Monthly plans with capped data allowances, has been extended to work with ‘Essential’ and ‘Smart’ plans on tablets, laptops and mobile WiFi router devices, as well as data SIMs.
Just to recap. The feature works by automatically switching on once a customer has used up all their monthly data allowance, but the catch is that it will drop your mobile broadband speeds back to just 0.5Mbps (or 2Mbps if you’re an NHS Worker). EE states that this is “fast enough for customers to send and receive data messages, check their emails on the go, and get where they need to with access to maps,” although 0.5Mbps is painfully slow.
Previously, this feature only worked with regular Smart and Essential Pay Monthly plans, so the additional support is most welcome, particularly as they’re now enabling it on services that are much more internet centric. However, some people may find it cheaper to just buy a full speed “unlimited data” plan on a different operator.
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Meanwhile, EE are also launching a new range of ‘Essential’ and ‘Smart’ data plans for tablets, laptops and data SIMs, which includes the option of unlimited data for the first time.
- Customers can purchase iPad Air 10.9-inch for £46.80 pm, £0 upfront (£52 pm, £50 upfront for non EE customers), or the Samsung Galaxy Book Go laptop for £38.70 (£43 pm, £50 upfront for non EE customers) on an EE Smart plan, with unlimited data included.
- Customers can purchase a 5G ready data SIM from EE with unlimited data from £34.20pm, (£38 pm for non EE customers) helping them to connect any SIM enabled device instantly.
The operator is also introducing a new range of data packages with inclusive 4GEE and 5GEE WiFi devices coming on Friday 20th August. For example, unlimited data and a 4GEE WiFi service will be available from Friday for £36 (£40pm for non EE customers), and unlimited data and a 5GEE WiFi for £45 (£50pm for non EE customers) on a 24-month plan. 30 day options are also available, at extra cost.
Mark is a professional technology writer, IT consultant and computer engineer from Dorset (England), he also founded ISPreview in 1999 and enjoys analysing the latest telecoms and broadband developments. Find me on X (Twitter), Mastodon, Facebook, BlueSky, Threads.net and Linkedin.
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Are these new plans actually unlimited or “unlimited” with a FUP of 600GB?
Could you get anywhere near 600Gb at just 0.5Mbps
Just the usual lies trotted out by ISPs and telecoms providers I assume.
You can’t put an imposed limit on something that’s unlimited, else it’s not unlimited.
There are of course naturally imposed limits that in reality we have to accept, like an unlimited miles rental car agreement. If you rent for a day you’re obviously limited to the distance you can actually drive in 24 hours.
I don’t think the FUP is relevant. 0.5Mbps continuously over 30 days is “only” 162GB, if I’ve got my maths right.
Ben, That’s not really the point is it? Or maybe it’s entirely the point.
“We will consider usage above 600GB/month to be non-personal use and have the right to apply traffic management controls to deprioritise your mobile traffic during busy periods or to move you to a business plan.”
-EE
0.5MBps is too less to load the any modern web service.
Ok I’m gonna drop some DMT, smoke a few joints, drink 10 beers and then i’m gonna start working for EEs marketing department.