EE Broadband

About EE Broadband

EE Broadband is part of the BT Group and operates on the same Openreach network as BT. As the UK’s largest mobile network, EE offers broadband customers who also hold an EE mobile contract a set of perks called Smart Benefits, extras such as Apple TV+, BT Sport, or Norton security included free. EE broadband brings BT grade infrastructure with EE’s mobile first brand identity.

Switching broadband provider saves the average household around £156 a year, according to Ofcom and most providers now handle the switch for you.

EE Broadband Packages and Speeds

EE Broadband Pros and Cons

Is EE Broadband Available at My Address?

EE uses Openreach’s full fibre network. As Openreach expands its FTTP rollout, EE’s full fibre coverage grows with it. If your area hasn’t yet been upgraded to full fibre, you may need to wait or consider an alternative provider. Check your postcode on Switcheroo for live availability.

How to Get EE Broadband

1. Check availability via Switcheroo or EE’s website
2. Select your full fibre speed package
3. Add any Smart Benefits or WiFi booster extras
4. Book an Openreach engineer installation appointment
5. Connect your Smart Hub Plus and go live

Why EE Broadband Is Different

EE’s Smart Benefits programme sets it apart. EE mobile customers can add extras to their broadband deal at no additional cost, options have included Apple TV+, discovery+, and antivirus software. This makes EE broadband particularly attractive to existing EE mobile customers who’d otherwise pay for these services separately. EE also includes its Smart Hub Plus router as standard, which supports WiFi 6 and can be paired with Whole Home WiFi disc addons. EE currently only offers full fibre packages, meaning if FTTP isn’t available at your address, EE isn’t an option. This is a deliberate strategy, EE is positioning itself squarely in the modern full fibre market.

Who Is EE Broadband Best For?

EE broadband is best for existing EE mobile customers who will make use of Smart Benefits. The combination of broadband plus included streaming or security extras can represent strong value. It’s also a good fit for homes that want BT level infrastructure under a different brand. If you’re not an EE mobile customer, compare EE against BT directly, they use the same network and pricing can be similar.

Key Factors to Consider When Comparing

Speed alone isn’t the only metric. Look at upload speeds, which matter increasingly with video conferencing and cloud storage. Check latency (ping time) if you game or use video calls extensively. Examine contract flexibility, are you locked in for 24 months or can you switch monthly? Don’t ignore customer satisfaction ratings. Independent reviews reveal service quality beyond marketing claims. Check specific reviews for your postcode to understand real world performance. Consider whether the provider includes a new router or charges separately. Installation fees vary significantly. Some offer free installations; others charge £50–150. Check if you’re eligible for any switching incentives or loyalty discounts. Calculate the total cost over the full contract period, including setup fees, rather than focusing only on monthly costs.

Understanding Your Broadband Speed Results

You signed up for ‘up to’ 100Mbps but you’re getting 60Mbps. Is that normal? Yes, ‘up to’ speeds are marketing maximums, not guarantees. Real world speeds depend on network congestion, distance from exchange (for FTTC), WiFi signal strength, and time of day. Download a speed testing app and test during off peak hours (midday weekdays) versus peak hours (6–9 PM evenings). Peak hour speeds should still meet your Minimum Guaranteed Access Speed (MAP). If they fall short, contact your provider to report faults. Use multiple speed tests, single tests can be misleading due to temporary congestion. Test on wired connection versus WiFi to identify WiFi issues separately. Expect variations of 10–15% around advertised speeds as normal. Consistent speeds 30%+ below advertised warrant complaint to your provider.

Cost Comparison: Total Contract Cost vs Monthly Price

A provider advertising £20/month might actually cost more than one advertising £25/month. The difference? Hidden charges. A £20/month deal might include £80 setup fee, £10/month router rental, and annual price rises reaching £35 by month 12. A £25/month plan might have £0 setup, included router, and price lock. Total 24-month cost for the first: £20×12 + £32×12 + £80 = £704. Total for the second: £25×24 = £600. The cheaper monthly offer cost you £104 more overall. Always calculate total cost including all fees over the full contract period. Many people make switching decisions based on misleading comparisons. Use a calculator entering exact fees to compare accurately. Don’t trust advertised monthly rates alone.

Switching Process: What Actually Happens

Day 1: You sign up online or phone the new provider. Day 2–3: New provider contacts your existing provider to notify of the switch. Your current provider confirms disconnect date (typically 7–14 days away). Day 5–7: New provider arranges installation engineer visit. Day 7–10: Engineer installs new broadband service at your home. Day 10–14: Your previous broadband disconnects automatically. Throughout the process, you maintain broadband, no period without service if switching properly. The new provider provides a migration code so you keep your phone number (important if you have a landline). Your old provider may contact offering retention discounts. These sometimes beat new provider offers. You have 14 days to cancel if unsatisfied. Most providers offer a money back guarantee within this cooling off period.