EE unlimited data SIM

5G and unlimited data are a perfect pairing, as this lightning-fast network technology makes it easy to bust through your data allowance. While 5G doesn’t actually use more data than 4G, it makes it far more viable and tempting to download massive files and stream in 4K quality.

So to make the most of 5G you need an extremely high data allowance – or better yet, an unlimited one. Thankfully, EE offers 5G with unlimited data, and we’ve covered everything you need to know about it below.

From the available plans to fair usage restrictions, roaming terms and more, here’s everything you need to know about 5G unlimited data on EE.

What plans are available with unlimited data?

EE offers unlimited data on both SIM Only plans (in 12 or 24-month durations) and Pay Monthly plans with a phone. You can also get unlimited data on a data-only SIM plan (of 1 or 24 months), and you can get it with mobile broadband and home broadband devices.

In other words then EE offers unlimited data on just about every possible plan type other than Pay As You Go.

Why choose EE unlimited data

There are lots of great reasons to choose an EE unlimited data plan, starting with the network’s coverage. It was the first UK network to offer 5G, so it’s had more time to grow its 5G coverage than rivals, and it’s made good use of that time, with 5G now being available in loads of towns and cities, while more are getting it all the time.

Its 4G coverage is even better, so if you can’t get 5G where you are, then you’ll probably at least get 4G, with 5G sure to arrive eventually.

Beyond that, EE also offers some perks on its unlimited data plans, such as Smart Benefits. These are available on select plans and let you choose between one and three benefits that you can access at no extra cost for the duration of your contract. The benefits are as follows:

Apple Music, Apple TV Plus, Apple Arcade, Netflix, BT Sport Ultimate, Microsoft 365 Personal, and Roam Abroad (which lets you use your allowances in numerous countries in Europe and beyond at no extra cost). Note however that the exact selection of Smart Benefits available to choose from will depend on your plan – no individual plan includes the full selection above.

Plus, EE also allows data sharing, which means that if you have multiple plans on your account (as you might if the rest of your family is using EE for example) then you can share your data with the other plans. You can share up to 100GB per month (or 120GB if you have a 5G smart handset plan).

Finally, you can also benefit from both Wi-Fi Calling and 4G Calling on EE, which isn’t something every network offers. That means if there’s only 4G coverage, or even no coverage at all but a Wi-Fi connection, then you can still call and text as normal.

Are there any fair usage restrictions?

There are minimal fair usage restrictions on EE’s unlimited data plans. In the UK, EE says the only real restriction is that your plan must be for personal use. In practice, it defines that as under 600GB of data used each month, and fewer than 12 devices regularly tethered at once. Exceed those numbers and the network reserves the right to apply traffic management controls or move you to a more suitable plan.

Outside the UK, EE has a 50GB roaming cap, so you can only use that much data each month while roaming abroad without incurring extra charges. That cap though is more generous than a lot of networks.

Are there any speed restrictions?

No, EE doesn’t cap or limit your speed in any way on unlimited data plans. That means you can always access the fastest speeds available in any given area, whether browsing, downloading, uploading, streaming, or whatever else.

Is unlimited tethering included?

Yes, you can tether as much as you want on EE’s unlimited data plans. The only restrictions are the same ones as in its general fair usage policy, meaning you shouldn’t use more than 600GB of data in a month, and nor should you regularly tether 12 or more devices.

Can unlimited data be used abroad?

No, you can’t use unlimited data when abroad, but you can use up to 50GB per month, which is still a generous allowance compared to many UK networks. Use over this level is liable to lead to extra charges.

Is 5G data included?

Yes, all of EE’s unlimited data SIM Only plans come with 5G included, as do plans that come with a 5G phone or other 5G device (such as a 5G home broadband router).

Are unlimited plans available with a multi-plan discount?

Yes, you can add unlimited data plans to a Family Account, which offers a 10% discount on all additional lines. Additional lines also each benefit from a 1GB data boost (if they don’t already have unlimited data), which can be shared between the plans on the account however you want.

Can I gift data on an unlimited plan?

Yes, if you have a Family Account with multiple plans then you can gift data to the other plans on the account. Up to 100GB can be gifted each month (or up to 120GB if you have a 5G smart handset plan).

Note that this gifted amount must be the first data of the month – any usage will reduce the giftable amount. So if for example you use 10GB before deciding to gift, then you’ll have 90GB / 110GB (depending on your plan) still available to gift that month.

Alternatives

EE isn’t the only UK network to offer unlimited 5G data. In fact, you can even get that on another network with the same infrastructure and coverage – namely BT Mobile. However, BT Mobile only offers unlimited 5G data to BT Halo customers, and only on SIM Only plans. But if you qualify, you’ll find that its prices are highly competitive.

Unlimited 5G data is also available on numerous other networks, including Three, Vodafone, O2, Smarty, iD Mobile, Lebara, Giffgaff, Lyca Mobile, Tesco Mobile, Virgin Mobile, VOXI, and Asda Mobile. However, none of these networks offer the same coverage as EE, so you should check they have coverage where you need it before opting for one.