EE Mobile Broadband deals

What is 5G mobile broadband?

5G mobile broadband allows you to connect laptops, tablets and other devices that support Wi-Fi but don’t have their own 5G connection to a 5G-powered Wi-Fi network.

This means that you can get them connected to the internet anywhere that has a 5G signal, so you’re not limited to public Wi-Fi networks when you’re away from home or the office.

Generally this is achieved through a battery-powered 5G mobile broadband router, which broadcasts a Wi-Fi network a bit like your home broadband router does – except it’s 5G-powered, and doesn’t need to be plugged in.

As well as allowing you to get your devices connected in more places, this is also usually faster than public Wi-Fi networks, and always more secure.

Why choose an EE mobile broadband contract?

EE was the first network to launch a 5G service in the UK, and as such its 5G coverage is widespread – and it’s only going to get better. So if you want to be confident that you can get 5G mobile broadband in as many places as possible, then EE is a good network choice.

Plus, EE offers plans with unlimited data, so you can use as much data as you want – but if you don’t think you’ll need that much then you can opt for a cheaper plan with a limited data allowance instead. You won’t pay any extra for 5G connectivity either.

Not only that, but the plans with data limits also include Stay Connected, which lets you keep using data at a reduced speed of 0.5Mbps once you use up your allowance.

All of EE’s 5G mobile broadband plans also let you gift data, so you can move it to other pay monthly plans on your account.

What 5G mobile broadband devices does EE offer?

EE stocks the 5GEE WiFi mobile broadband router. This little white box is tiny enough to take everywhere, but it packs a lot of mobile data power.

It has a 6,460mAh battery, a 30-metre Wi-Fi range, and it can get up to 64 devices connected to the internet all at the same time. So if you really want to share your internet with everyone in the bar or on the train then you should just about be able to manage it.

The 5GEE WiFi also includes an Ethernet port so you can connect a device to it with an even more stable wired connection, and it’s quick and easy to get up and running.

Should I get mobile broadband or home broadband?

If you’re reading this then mobile broadband is probably what you’re after, but it’s worth noting that there’s also 5G home broadband. This works in much the same way but with a router that needs plugging in, and which is designed to be left on all the time, so you can bring permanent internet to your home.

It’s an alternative to fibre broadband then, whereas 5G mobile broadband is an alternative to 4G mobile broadband, or to tethering from your phone or making do with public Wi-Fi connections.

So which you should get depends on whether you want a permanent, static internet connection somewhere (in which case consider 5G home broadband), or a portable option for getting devices online when away from home (in which case you’re in the right place).

Can I get unlimited data with EE 5G mobile broadband?

Yes, EE offers unlimited data on 5G mobile broadband plans. If you expect to be using mobile broadband a lot, or connecting a lot of devices simultaneously, then an unlimited data plan is a great choice, as you won’t need to keep an eye on your usage.

How fast is EE’s 5G mobile broadband?

EE hasn’t revealed just how fast the 5GEE WiFi can get, but tests suggest its 5G network offers average speeds in the region of 150-200Mbps, with peak speeds potentially exceeding 1Gbps, so the experience with its 5G mobile broadband is likely to be in line with that.

That said, some of EE’s plans top out at 100Mbps, meaning that you can’t take full advantage of 5G speeds. These are known as Essentials plans and that speed cap will be clearly listed on them, but it’s something to watch out for.

Of course, actual speeds will depend on a number of factors, such as how close to a mast you are and whether there are any obstacles obstructing the signal.

In any case though, EE’s 5G mobile broadband should be very fast. Most home broadband connections are under 100Mbps, so there’s a good chance you’ll be getting higher speeds when out than at home if you grab a 5G mobile broadband plan.

Which other networks offer 5G mobile broadband?

At the time of writing the only other UK network that offers 5G mobile broadband is Vodafone. It offers a different 5G mobile broadband router, one which benefits from a screen, but tops out at half as many simultaneous connections (32). You can also get unlimited data from Vodafone.

Unless you really need to get a lot of devices online though, the main factor is likely to be coverage, which differs between these two networks. So it’s worth checking which has better coverage in the places you most often travel.

Frequently asked questions

Why would I want 5G mobile broadband?

5G mobile broadband is a superb alternative to public Wi-Fi networks. Not only is it usually much faster and always more secure, but it also avoids the hassle of having to log in or register that sometimes comes with public Wi-Fi. Not all public Wi-Fi is free either, so you can also avoid those costs with 5G mobile broadband.

The best thing about it though is that it’s widely available – in fact anywhere that you can get a mobile signal, you can get mobile broadband. So in places that don’t even have a Wi-Fi network you’ll still be able to get your laptop and other gadgets online.

How many devices can I get online with EE’s 5G mobile broadband?

EE’s 5GEE WiFi mobile broadband router can connect up to 64 devices to the internet at once. That’s far more than most mobile broadband routers allow, and realistically it’s probably far more than you’ll ever need, but it’s nice to have the option.

What if I don’t have a 5G signal?

If you don’t have a 5G signal, then EE’s 5G mobile broadband router will simply broadcast a 4G network – or a 3G one if there’s not even any 4G.

So as long as you can get a mobile signal of some kind, you’ll still be able to use your mobile broadband, it just won’t be as fast in places where there’s no 5G.