EE 5G Phone Deals

Why choose an EE mobile phone contract?

EE was the first UK network to launch a 5G service, so it has a head start on rivals and is likely in the lead in terms of coverage, with its 5G service now available to over 73% of the UK population at the time of writing.

EE sells a significant selection of the latest 5G-ready phones and offers plans with unlimited data, minutes and texts so you can make the most of your high-end handset and superfast data.

Its phone contracts are 24-months or 36-months long, but one-month plans are also available for SIM-only deals. Its focus is on unlimited and big data deals, but EE also offers a range of smaller data deals, meaning there is something for everyone. 

Now owned by BT, the EE network has excellent infrastructure and is well positioned to continue growing and expanding, so you can expect a reliable 5G network that will only get better over time.

How can I keep my number when switching?

In order to keep your existing mobile number when you switch to EE, you will need to request a ‘PAC’ (or Porting Authorisation Code) from your current provider. To do this, just text PAC to 65075 and in return you will receive a nine-digit code that you will need to give to EE. You can do this either at the point of purchase, over the phone to EE or by filling in the number transfer form. The PAC code is valid for 30 days.

EE added extras 

EE takes the near-unique approach of letting you choose which extras you want, with many of its plans coming with ‘Inclusive Extras’ that you can choose one of. The benefits you can claim depend on both the plan you choose and also whether you choose an Apple or Android phone. 

The Inclusive Extras on offer are definitely worth having and the full selection that you can choose from (depending on your plan) includes: Google One Premium 2TB, Netflix Standard with adverts, Apple Music, Apple TV Plus, Netflix Premium, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Google One AI Premium, TNT Sports on Discovery+, and Apple One.

On top of all that, if you have an Essentials Plus plan or an All Rounder plan then you’ll be able to roam at no extra cost in 47 European destinations, while customers with a Full Works plan can roam in 52 destinations, including the 47 European ones along with Australia, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, and the US.

EE phone upgrades

EE offers pay monthly customers on certain plans the option to upgrade their phone from as early as 15 days into their contract. Subject to it being in good working order, you can swap your phone for a new one. Just bear in mind that upgrade fees may apply depending on the handset you choose.

Customers with fewer than 30 days left on their pay monthly contract can upgrade without being charged a fee to do so. In addition, if you are at least six months into your contract then you can also upgrade, but will likely have to pay a fee.

Unlimited data

EE is something of a specialist in unlimited data, and offers customers the choice of an unlimited data plan with the best download speeds available, one with speeds of up to 100Mbps, or an unlimited data plan with maximum download speeds of 10Mbps. There is a small financial saving between the three, with higher speeds costing more.

EE also offers other data allowances for those who don’t need unlimited.

4G and 5G Coverage

EE offers excellent 4G coverage in the UK, at around 99% coverage of the population, meaning you should be able to get a decent signal in most places around the UK. Its 5G coverage is also growing rapidly and is now widely available, covering over 73% of the UK population at the time of writing.

EE’s coverage checker will tell you what coverage is like in the areas relevant to you, but bear in mind that 5G coverage can still be patchy and will also depend on your handset.

EE 5G speeds

According to a RootMetrics report from 2024, EE’s median 5G download speed is 207.5Mbps, and its 95th percentile 5G download speed (meaning almost the highest) is 709.0Mbps. Those aren’t quite the highest on test but they’re in second place, and only just behind Three.

Data roaming

If you have an Essentials Plus or All Rounder plan taken out after August 29th, 2024, then you’ll be able to roam in 47 European destinations at no extra cost, while those with a Full Works plan taken out after the same date will be able to additionally roam in the US, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand.

If you’re on a different plan then you can add roaming to your plan with a ‘Roam Abroad pass,’ which lets you roam in the same 52 destinations as a Full Works plan for £25 per month.

Or you can simply pay £2.47 per day to roam in most of Europe. Note however that there’s a 50GB fair use limit when roaming.

Tethering

EE allows you to use as much of your monthly data allowance as you want for tethering, so with a high allowance you can comfortably turn your phone into a mobile broadband device and get other devices online.

If you want to use your data for tethering abroad though, be aware that EE imposes a monthly limit of 50GB – so you cannot use unlimited data to get other devices online while you are out of the UK.

Although it is useful, tethering uses up data very quickly. This is because both your phone and the device to which it is connected are both using your data allowance. So that 50GB allowance may not last you as long as you think.

EE customer service

EE can be contacted on 150 from your EE phone or on 07953 966 150 from any other phone, between 8am and 9pm Monday to Friday and between 8am and 8pm Saturday and Sunday. There is also a live chat service available through the EE app.

According to the latest report on mobile customer service by Ofcom, EE comes out very well for customer service, averaging 87% customer satisfaction with the service overall and with 55% overall satisfaction with complaint handling (against a sector average of 53%). It also had just 6 complaints to Ofcom per 100,000 customers (against an average of 8).

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Does EE do SIM-only?

Yes, EE offers SIM-only deals on one-month and 24-month contracts.

Does EE have Wi-Fi calling?

Yes, EE offers Wi-Fi Calling on any phone that supports it.

How do I join EE?

Simply browse the selection of handset deals above – you can filter by network, price, contract length and data allowance – and once you have made your choice, click on the red See Deal button which will take you straight to EE, where you can choose your Inclusive Extra and complete your order.