Which is the best UK mobile network provider?
Dan Howdle • August 29th, 2024
EE is widely recognised as the best mobile network in the UK, particularly for its unmatched speed, coverage, and performance. But what makes EE stand out from its competitors, and is it the right choice for you?
Over the past decade, the UK mobile landscape has seen significant changes, with networks merging, expanding, and innovating. Among these changes, EE has consistently emerged as the leader in terms of network speed, coverage, and overall performance. But it’s essential to look beyond the headlines and understand what EE offers and how it compares with other UK mobile networks.
EE’s Network Coverage: Leading the Pack
EE was the first network to launch 4G in the UK, back in November 2012, giving it a head start that it has maintained over the years. Today, EE's 4G network covers 99.8% of the UK population. Furthermore, EE's 5G network, which was the first to launch in the UK in 2019, has now expanded to cover over 1,000 towns and cities across the UK, with plans to extend even further.
EE's 5G network coverage continues to grow rapidly and is expected to reach 50% of the UK population by the end of 2024, with a long-term goal of providing 5G coverage to over 90% of the UK’s landmass by 2028. This expansion is supported by the recent acquisition of additional 700MHz spectrum, which enhances both indoor and rural coverage.
In addition to its focus on population coverage, EE is heavily investing in geographic coverage, making sure that even remote and rural areas have access to reliable mobile services. This commitment includes improving connectivity on major transport routes, such as roads and railways, and enhancing indoor coverage with technologies like VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi).
Unmatched Data Speeds on EE
When it comes to data speeds, EE consistently outperforms its rivals. Whether you’re using 4G or 5G, EE offers the fastest mobile internet in the UK. EE’s 4G network provides average download speeds of 44.0 Mbps, and with its 5G network, customers can expect even higher speeds, often exceeding 150 Mbps in areas with strong 5G coverage.
EE’s 5G network is especially beneficial for data-intensive activities such as streaming high-definition videos, gaming, and video conferencing. The network’s superior performance is evident in independent tests, which consistently rank EE as the fastest mobile network in the UK. In comparison, other major networks like Vodafone, Three, and O2 have made improvements but still fall short of EE’s speed and reliability.
EE’s Added Extras and Benefits
EE offers a range of value-added services known as "Smart Benefits," which include free subscriptions to popular services such as BT Sport Ultimate, Apple Music, and a Video Data Pass that allows streaming without eating into your data allowance. EE also provides inclusive roaming in select destinations and offers data boosts for customers who bundle their mobile plan with EE’s home broadband.
How Does EE Compare?
While EE’s extras are impressive, other networks also offer competitive value-added services. For instance, Three’s "Go Roam" allows customers to use their data in 71 destinations without extra charges, including the EU, USA, and Australia. Vodafone provides premium content bundles like Spotify Premium and Amazon Prime, while O2’s Priority service offers exclusive deals, early access to tickets, and more.
Overall, EE’s Smart Benefits are particularly appealing for users who value streaming services and reliable connectivity while traveling.
EE’s Customer Service: Leading the Major Networks
Customer service is another area where EE excels. According to Ofcom's most recent customer satisfaction data, EE ranks among the top networks, with just seven complaints per 100,000 customers—significantly lower than rivals like Vodafone and Three. Tesco Mobile is the only network with fewer complaints.
EE’s commitment to customer service includes answering 100% of customer calls within the UK and Ireland and continuously improving its online chat service for more accessible support. The network's high customer satisfaction ratings reflect this focus on service quality, making EE a reliable choice for users who prioritise customer care.
Is EE Good Value for Money?
Value for money is subjective and depends on what you're looking for. If you’re seeking a low-cost SIM-only deal with a modest data allowance, EE may not be your best option. Networks like giffgaff, iD Mobile, and Three offer more budget-friendly options with competitive allowances.
However, if you're looking for high-performance, reliable coverage, and a wide range of added benefits, EE's plans offer excellent value, particularly at the higher end of the market. EE’s unlimited data plans, while more expensive than those of its competitors, come with the advantage of faster speeds and better overall coverage.
Additionally, if you bundle your EE mobile plan with their broadband services, you can get significant data boosts, making the higher price point more palatable.
For those who want to benefit from EE’s robust network without the higher tariffs, considering one of the MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) that use EE’s network, like BT Mobile or Plusnet Mobile, might be a good alternative.
Which EE Price Plan Should You Choose?
EE offers a wide range of price plans to suit different needs, from light users who only need a small data allowance to heavy users who require unlimited data. All EE plans are 5G-ready, so you can take full advantage of their high-speed network if you have a compatible handset.
For those who want the latest handsets, EE offers various contracts that allow you to spread the cost of a new phone over 12, 24, or 36 months. Popular models like the latest iPhone and Samsung Galaxy devices are available, along with a selection of handsets from brands like Google and OPPO.
One of the standout features of EE’s plans is the option to choose Smart Benefits, which can be included with many of their mid to high-tier plans. These benefits add significant value, particularly for those interested in streaming services or who travel frequently.
If you already have a phone you love, EE’s SIM-only plans offer the flexibility of shorter contracts, starting from as little as 30 days, up to 12 months. These plans are perfect if you want to avoid long-term commitments but still want to experience the best network coverage and speeds in the UK.
For households that also need broadband, EE’s mobile plans can be bundled with EE’s home broadband services. This bundle can give you a data boost of between 5GB and 20GB on your mobile plan, making it a particularly good value if you’re already an EE broadband customer or considering switching.
