EE Broadband Deals
Comprehensive Review
Compare EE Full Fibre broadband packages with speeds from 36 Mbps to 1.6 Gbps. All packages include automatic 4G/5G backup, the Smart Hub Plus WiFi 6 router, and 6 months free Apple TV+.
Full Fibre from £24/month
EE Full Fibre delivers ultrafast speeds up to 1.6Gbps using genuine fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) technology. Unlike older FTTC connections that rely on copper for the final stretch, full fibre provides consistent speeds regardless of distance from the exchange. Every package includes the Smart Hub Plus router with automatic 4G/5G backup at no extra cost.
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Is EE Broadband Any Good? Expert Analysis for UK Households
EE entered the home broadband market in 2020, leveraging its position as the UK's largest mobile network and its ownership by BT Group. This combination gives EE a unique advantage: access to the extensive Openreach full fibre network plus the ability to integrate mobile network backup that no other major provider can match. For UK households evaluating broadband options, understanding EE's strengths and limitations is essential for making an informed decision.
The standout feature distinguishing EE from competitors is the automatic 4G/5G backup included free with every package. If your fixed broadband connection fails for any reason—whether due to network maintenance, cable damage, or local outages—the Smart Hub Plus router automatically switches to EE's mobile network within 90 seconds. This happens without any intervention from you and provides download speeds up to 30Mbps during the backup period. For remote workers, home-based businesses, or families relying heavily on streaming, this backup provides genuine peace of mind that other providers like Sky or Virgin Media simply cannot offer without paid extras.
EE's network infrastructure benefits from the BT Group relationship. All EE broadband runs on the Openreach network—the same fibre infrastructure used by BT, Sky, Plusnet, TalkTalk, and most other UK providers. Openreach has invested billions in rolling out full fibre across Britain, with coverage now exceeding 14 million premises and targeting 25 million by December 2026.
The Smart Hub Plus router included with all packages represents a genuine advantage over some competitors who provide basic equipment on entry-level packages or charge extra for premium routers. It features WiFi 6 technology for better performance with multiple devices, supports up to 190 simultaneous connections, and includes the 4G/5G backup module. For the fastest 1.6Gbps packages, EE may provide the even more advanced Smart Hub Pro with WiFi 7—making it the first major UK provider to offer a WiFi 7 router.
Customer service has historically been a strength for EE, with UK-based support teams who understand local network infrastructure. Ofcom's 2023 data showed EE had just 9 complaints per 100,000 customers—the second-lowest in the industry. However, more recent 2024-2025 Ofcom reports indicate complaint levels have increased, particularly around faults and provisioning issues. Despite this, EE's complaints-handling satisfaction remains relatively high at 66% when issues do arise. Read our full EE broadband review for more details.
EE Full Fibre Packages
All packages include the Smart Hub Plus router, automatic 4G/5G backup, 6 months Apple TV+, and speed guarantees. Choose the right speed tier for your household needs.
Full Fibre 100
Average 100 Mbps
£26.99/mo
Full Fibre 300
Average 308 Mbps
£30.99/mo
Full Fibre 500
Average 500 Mbps
£32.99/mo
Full Fibre 900+
Average 900-1600 Mbps
From £36.99/mo
Entry-Level Full Fibre Packages
Full Fibre 36 Essentials
Average 36 Mbps
£24.00/month
24-month contract, includes 4G backup
Full Fibre 74 Essentials
Average 74 Mbps
£29.00/month
24-month contract, includes 4G backup
Full Fibre 150 Essentials
Average 150 Mbps
£34.00/month
24-month contract, includes 4G backup
Looking for the cheapest fibre broadband deals? Compare all UK broadband providers.
The BT Group Advantage: Network Infrastructure You Can Trust
Openreach Full Fibre Network
EE broadband runs on the Openreach network—the same infrastructure that powers BT, Sky, Plusnet, TalkTalk, and most UK providers. Openreach is investing billions in rolling out full fibre nationwide, with coverage now reaching approximately 70% of UK premises for full fibre and over 98% for part-fibre connections.
EE Mobile Network Integration
Unlike BT, EE brings its mobile network expertise into the home broadband experience. As Britain's largest mobile network, EE provides the 4G/5G backup capability that other Openreach-based providers cannot offer. This mobile integration also powers EE One benefits, where broadband and mobile customers can combine services for savings that neither BT nor standalone mobile providers match.
EE Smart Hub Plus: WiFi 6 Technology Explained
Every EE broadband package includes the Smart Hub Plus router at no additional cost. This is a significant advantage over competitors who charge extra for premium routers or provide basic equipment on entry-level packages. The Smart Hub Plus represents EE's latest router technology, designed specifically to maximise your broadband experience in modern connected homes.
The router uses WiFi 6 (802.11ax) technology—the latest wireless standard offering substantial improvements over the older WiFi 5 found in many routers. WiFi 6 handles simultaneous connections more efficiently using advanced channel management. For households with multiple smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and IoT devices, this means each device gets the bandwidth it needs without creating bottlenecks when everyone streams or games simultaneously.
The Smart Hub Plus can connect up to 190 devices simultaneously—more than sufficient for any household. It features four 1Gb LAN ports for wired connections (essential for gaming PCs and consoles), plus a phone port and USB connectivity. The compact design (28cm x 4cm x 18cm) is made from 95% recycled plastic. The front panel displays connection status through colour-coded LED indicators: solid aqua blue indicates normal operation, green for startup, flashing orange for connecting, and red for problems.
A convenient slide-out card on top reveals your default WiFi network name, password, and a QR code for easy device connection. The EE app provides comprehensive control including parental controls, device management, WiFi scheduling, and the ability to pause internet access to specific devices—useful for managing screen time without confrontation.
For larger homes needing extended coverage, EE offers Smart WiFi Plus boosters that create a mesh network. These optional extras work seamlessly with the Smart Hub Plus to eliminate dead spots. Compare router technology across providers in our broadband reviews section.
Smart Hybrid Connect: How 4G/5G Backup Works
EE's automatic mobile backup is included free on all packages—a feature other providers charge extra for or do not offer at all.
Automatic Failover Process
If your broadband connection drops, the Smart Hub Plus monitors the line and waits briefly to see if it recovers. If not, within 90 seconds it automatically switches to EE's mobile network. The transition is seamless—video calls typically continue without interruption, and streaming services rarely buffer during the switchover. The Smart Hub light turns purple when running on mobile backup.
Switching Back to Broadband
Once your broadband connection has been stable for 15 minutes, the Smart Hub Plus switches back to the fixed line. This delay ensures you return to a stable connection rather than repeatedly switching if the line is intermittent. The process is designed so you can trust the backup to keep you online until a genuinely stable connection returns.
Backup Speeds and Data
During 4G backup, expect download speeds up to 30Mbps and upload speeds up to 5Mbps. This handles browsing, streaming, video calls, and most online activities comfortably—though it is slower than your regular full fibre service. Your backup data allowance matches your broadband package: unlimited broadband means unlimited backup data.
Coverage Requirements
EE only offers Smart Hybrid Connect where 4G signal strength is sufficient. This is checked automatically during your order process. Approximately 85% of UK premises have eligible signal. The backup works with your Smart WiFi boosters too, so extended coverage throughout your home remains available even when using mobile backup.
Specialist EE Packages
Made for Gamers
Optimised for gaming with Game Mode built into the Smart Hub Plus. This feature auto-prioritises gaming traffic, reducing lag for competitive online gaming. Download 50GB games in minutes with Full Fibre speeds.
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Busiest Home Bundle
Maximum speed and coverage for large households with 10+ connected devices. Includes Smart WiFi Plus boosters for whole-home coverage, 5G backup, and priority support.
View Package →EE One: Combining Mobile and Broadband
Existing EE mobile customers can unlock significant savings by combining broadband with additional SIM plans through EE One. This integration brings all your services together with one simple bill and flexible rolling contracts.
- ✓ Save up to £20/month on unlimited data SIMs
- ✓ 30-day rolling contracts for flexibility
- ✓ One account, one bill for all services
- ✓ Add or remove SIMs anytime without penalty
Learn more about switching broadband providers and how to get the best deal.
EE Broadband Pricing: What You Need to Know
Understanding EE's full pricing structure helps you calculate the true cost over your contract term. EE broadband packages require a 24-month minimum contract, which locks in promotional pricing but does include annual price increases that affect your monthly costs.
Annual Price Increases: EE applies a fixed £4 per month increase each April. This means a package starting at £24/month becomes £28/month after the first April, and £32/month after the second. Over a 24-month contract starting in January, your total cost would be (3 months × £24) + (12 months × £28) + (9 months × £32) = £696 rather than the £576 you might expect from the headline price alone.
Setup Fees: Most EE packages include free setup, though some may have activation fees between £0 and £20 depending on the specific offer. Engineer installation for properties without existing full fibre infrastructure is typically included free.
Switching Credit: EE offers up to £300 towards early termination fees from your previous provider. Once you receive your final bill showing the charges, submit it through EE's claims process. Learn more about how to switch broadband providers.
Speed Guarantees: EE provides written minimum speed guarantees. If your connection consistently falls below this threshold after reasonable troubleshooting attempts, you can leave your contract without penalty. This provides genuine protection against underperforming connections.
EE Broadband Features and Extras
Smart WiFi Plus
Extend coverage to every corner with mesh network boosters that integrate seamlessly with your Smart Hub Plus.
Cyber Security
Optional security suite protecting devices from viruses, malware, phishing, and online threats.
Apple TV+ Included
6 months free Apple TV+ with all broadband packages. Stream award-winning original content at no extra cost.
Who Is EE Broadband Best For?
EE broadband suits certain households better than others. Consider these profiles to see if EE matches your needs.
Ideal For
- •Existing EE mobile customers who can save significantly through EE One benefits
- •Remote workers who cannot afford any internet downtime and value 4G/5G backup
- •Households wanting simplicity with a good router included and no need to purchase extras
- •Gamers who benefit from Game Mode and consistent low-latency connections
- •Those prioritising reliability over the absolute lowest price
Consider Alternatives If
- •You want traditional TV bundles—Sky or Virgin Media offer better entertainment packages
- •Budget is the primary concern—smaller providers like Plusnet or TalkTalk may offer lower prices
- •You need speeds above 1.6Gbps—Virgin Media offers up to 2Gbps on their cable network
- •You prefer shorter contracts—EE requires 24-month commitments
- •Full fibre is not available—EE's FTTC options are less competitive
Key Considerations Before Signing Up
Your Household Size and Internet Usage
Consider how many people use the internet simultaneously and what activities they perform. A household of 2-3 with basic streaming and browsing can work well with Full Fibre 36 or 74. Families of 4-5 with multiple 4K streams, gaming, and video calls benefit from Full Fibre 150 or 300. The Full Fibre 500 and Gigabyte packages suit power users, content creators, and very busy households with 10+ connected devices.
EE Mobile Integration Benefits
Existing EE mobile customers can combine services through EE One for savings up to £20 per month on additional SIM plans. These SIMs come on flexible 30-day rolling contracts, making it easy to add or remove family members. If you already pay for EE mobile, the combined savings make EE broadband significantly more cost-effective than competitors.
The Value of 4G/5G Backup
EE's automatic mobile backup is unique among major providers. If your fixed broadband fails, the Smart Hub Plus seamlessly switches to 4G (or 5G on Gigabyte plans) within 90 seconds. This is invaluable for remote workers, those running home businesses, or anyone who cannot afford internet downtime. Other providers either do not offer this or charge extra for it.
24-Month Contract Commitment
All EE broadband packages require a 24-month minimum contract. While this locks in promotional pricing, consider whether you might move house within this period. EE allows contract transfers to new addresses where service is available. If moving somewhere without EE coverage, early termination fees apply based on remaining contract months.
Annual Price Increases
EE applies a fixed £4 per month price increase each April. A package starting at £24/month becomes £28/month after the first April and £32/month after the second. Factor this into your total cost calculations when comparing with competitors who may have different increase policies.
Why Choose EE Broadband?
- ✓4G/5G Backup: Stay connected during outages with automatic mobile backup included free on all packages.
- ✓Apple TV+ Included: 6 months free subscription with all broadband packages.
- ✓Smart Hub Plus: WiFi 6 router included on all packages, supporting up to 190 devices.
- ✓BT Network: Access to the UK's largest broadband infrastructure via Openreach.
- ✓Speed Guarantees: Minimum speed commitments with the right to leave if not met.
- ✓UK-Based Support: Customer service teams based in the UK for knowledgeable local support.
- ✓Up to £300 Switching Credit: EE covers early termination fees from your old provider.
How EE Compares to Other UK Providers
Understanding where EE fits in the UK broadband market helps you make an informed comparison. View all broadband providers.
| Provider | Starting Price | Top Speed | Mobile Backup | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EE | £24/mo | 1.6 Gbps | Included Free | 24 months |
| BT | £29.99/mo | 900 Mbps | Paid Add-on | 24 months |
| Virgin Media | £28/mo | 2 Gbps | Not Available | 18 months |
| Sky | £27/mo | 500 Mbps | Not Available | 18 months |
| Vodafone | £25/mo | 900 Mbps | Paid Add-on | 24 months |
EE is the only major UK provider including automatic mobile backup free on all packages. Prices shown are typical promotional rates and may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions About EE Broadband
Is EE broadband the same as BT broadband?
EE and BT are both owned by BT Group and use the same Openreach full fibre network infrastructure. However, they operate as separate brands with different packages and features. EE differentiates itself with automatic 4G/5G mobile backup included free on all packages, the Smart Hub Plus WiFi 6 router, and integration benefits for EE mobile customers. BT focuses more on entertainment bundles with TV packages. The underlying connection quality is identical as both use the same fibre network.
What is EE's 4G/5G backup and how does it work?
EE's Smart Hybrid Connect is an automatic failover system built into the Smart Hub Plus router. If your broadband connection drops for any reason—network maintenance, cable damage, or outages—the router automatically switches to EE's mobile network within 90 seconds. Once the fixed broadband is stable again (typically after 15 minutes of consistent connection), it switches back seamlessly. During backup, you get speeds up to 30Mbps download, which handles browsing, streaming, and video calls. Your mobile backup data allowance matches your broadband package—unlimited broadband means unlimited backup.
What router does EE provide with broadband packages?
All EE broadband packages include the Smart Hub Plus at no extra cost. This is a WiFi 6 (802.11ax) dual-band router capable of connecting up to 190 devices simultaneously. It features four 1Gb LAN ports for wired connections, built-in 4G/5G backup capability, and parental controls via the EE app. For the fastest 1.6Gbps packages, EE may provide the Smart Hub Pro with WiFi 7 technology. The router is compact (28cm x 4cm x 18cm) and made from 95% recycled plastic.
How long does EE broadband installation take?
If your property already has full fibre infrastructure, activation typically happens within 1-3 working days after your order. Your Smart Hub Plus arrives by post and activates on your switch date. Properties needing new fibre installation require an engineer visit, usually scheduled within 2-3 weeks. The installation itself takes 30-45 minutes to a few hours depending on the work required. You can book a 2-hour appointment slot on any day of the week.
Can I keep my existing phone number with EE?
Yes, you can port your existing landline number to EE when switching. EE offers optional phone line add-ons including Unlimited UK Calls, Pay As You Call, and International Calling packages. However, EE's primary focus is broadband-only packages. Many customers find mobile calls through EE One SIMs offer better value than traditional landline services, especially with the flexible 30-day rolling contracts.
What speeds can I actually expect from EE broadband?
EE advertises average speeds that most customers achieve. Full Fibre 36 delivers average 36Mbps, Full Fibre 74 delivers 74Mbps, Full Fibre 150 delivers 150Mbps, Full Fibre 300 delivers 308Mbps, Full Fibre 500 delivers 500Mbps, and Full Fibre Gigabyte delivers 1600Mbps. EE provides minimum speed guarantees—if speeds consistently fall below this threshold, you can leave your contract penalty-free. Actual speeds depend on your internal wiring, router placement, and number of connected devices.
Does EE broadband include any TV or streaming services?
EE broadband packages include 6 months free Apple TV+ subscription. Additionally, if you purchase an EE TV set-top box (Apple TV 4K), you receive one year of Apple TV+ and can access BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and TNT Sports (for EE mobile customers). Unlike Sky or Virgin Media, EE does not bundle traditional TV channels—the focus is on streaming apps and on-demand content.
What happens if I want to leave EE broadband early?
EE broadband contracts are 24 months. Leaving early requires paying an early termination fee calculated based on remaining monthly payments. However, if EE cannot deliver the minimum guaranteed speeds consistently, you can exit without penalty. You can also request a contract transfer if moving to a new address where EE service is available. If full fibre is not available at your new address, discuss options with EE customer service.
Compare Other Broadband Providers
Explore deals from other major UK providers to find the best package for your needs. See our broadband reviews for in-depth comparisons.
BT Broadband Deals
Compare BT packages with Full Fibre speeds up to 900Mbps. TV bundles and BT Sport available.
Virgin Media Broadband
Up to 2Gbps on Virgin's own cable network. Great for ultrafast speed requirements.
Sky Broadband Deals
Combine broadband with Sky TV and Sky Glass. Good for entertainment-focused households.
Ready to Switch to EE Broadband?
EE Full Fibre broadband starts from just £24 per month with speeds up to 1.6Gbps. Every package includes the Smart Hub Plus router with automatic 4G/5G backup, Apple TV+ for 6 months, speed guarantees, and up to £300 towards your switching costs.