EE launches 4G on shared plans and pay-as-you-go
Network using advantage to push over 500k subscriber mark.


Mobile operator EE will launch a new range of tariffs that will allow customers to share all their tablet and smartphone broadband bills on a single contract. The firm is also making available 4G to pay-as-you-go customers.
EE's shared contracts will allow customers to pool data, calls and texts across multiple devices using the 4G network. The network also announced PAYG mobile broadband. Customers will be able to pay for 4G internet access on their tablets and laptops without a long-term commitment. Customers will be able to choose between a range of data bundles to use with their device. EE did not specify any pricing details.
The move marks the latest attempt by EE to push away further from rivals, who have yet to launch services.
EE also said that is plans to double speeds for its 4G network in ten cities over the coming weeks, boosting headline speeds up to 80Mbps in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester and Sheffield.
The netwok already has 500,000 customers for its 4G network and has set itself a target of having one million subscribers by the end of the year.
Olaf Swantee, chief executive at EE said that by the end of June, the company will have rolled out 4G across 55 per cent of the population. He added that EE "will continue to switch on new towns and cities."
"With commuters spending an average of 75 minutes travelling every day, EE will also roll out 4G across the busiest airports, commuter routes and shopping centres across the UK, powering the areas that matter most to Britain," he said.
Get the ITPro daily newsletter
Sign up today and you will receive a free copy of our Future Focus 2025 report - the leading guidance on AI, cybersecurity and other IT challenges as per 700+ senior executives
Kester Mann, senior analyst operator at CSS Insight, said the subscriber numbers showed EE had made good progress.
"Reaching 500,000 customers places EE among the leading European operators in terms of 4G subscriber uptake. This represents a remarkable turn-around for the UK, which is on track to become the largest European market by 4G subscribers this year," he said.
Rene Millman is a freelance writer and broadcaster who covers cybersecurity, AI, IoT, and the cloud. He also works as a contributing analyst at GigaOm and has previously worked as an analyst for Gartner covering the infrastructure market. He has made numerous television appearances to give his views and expertise on technology trends and companies that affect and shape our lives. You can follow Rene Millman on Twitter.
-
What is polymorphic malware?
Explainer Polymorphic malware constantly changes its code to avoid detection, making it a top cybersecurity threat that demands advanced, behavior-based defenses
-
Outgoing Kaseya CEO teases "this is just the beginning" for the company
Opinion We spoke to Fred Voccola who remains a key figurehead at the firm as it enters its next chapter...
-
EE rolls out 4G across Glasgow's underground network
News The network is currently restricted to EE customers but is likely to expand in the near future
-
Nokia and NASA join forces to bring 4G to the moon
News Cellular service will provide the communications needed for meaningful moon exploration
-
Birmingham crowned the fastest UK city for 4G download speeds
News While Birmingham also recorded the highest speed hike over 2019, London came in at a middling 9th place
-
LTE vs 4G: Which is better?
In-depth Comparing LTE vs 4G has become common in recent years, but how exactly do they differ, and is 4G faster?
-
What is 4G?
In-depth A look at the fourth generation of mobile networking technology and its availability in the UK
-
4G vs 5G - what's the difference?
Vs From 3G to 4G, mobile connectivity has revolutionised our lives. Now 5G is set to do it again
-
The best 4G network
In-depth Every mobile provider offers 4G contracts, but which one is the best for you?
-
More than a million UK properties don't have access to 'decent' broadband speeds
News Ofcom's Connected Nations report finds broadband is still lacking across 4% of the UK