EE is bringing another 4G router to homes that want to shun slow fixed-line broadband connections and tap into speeds of up to 90Mbps.
The 4GEE Home Router is essentially a jacked-up version of the telecom company’s Buzzard in-car 4G hotspot that made its debut back in 2014. But the bigger router, which in essence works as a Wi-Fi hotspot, can support up to 32 devices and requires no formal installation – simply plug it in to a power socket and you’re good to go.
The offer of decent speeds and an easy set-up might be attractive, but it comes at a pretty hefty price.
The 4GEE Home Router will set buyers back by £100 per month for a 200GB allowance, which will be needed in homes that like to stream TV and movies and play games online.
A cheaper £25 per month plan is available but only offers a mere 10GB of data allowance, which is only really suitable for light browsing and email work. And if you exceed your data allowance EE will charge you an extra £10 per 5GB.
Given many fixed broadband deals offer much more for a lot less, and mobile contracts aren’t nearly as expensive and can be used as Wi-Fi hotspots, the 4GEE Home Router is lacking in the value-for-money department.
However, EE’s managing director of marketing Max Taylor noted that the router is really aimed at people who need an alternative to traditional broadband connections.
“It’s simple to set up and use straight out of the box, so it’s ideal for customers with slower fixed line speed or people who regularly move house and need instant Wi-Fi connectivity,” he explained.
As such, the 4GEE Home Router might be suitable for people living in rural areas where broadband coverage and speeds are patchy at best.
But they’ll only be able to make the most out of the router if they are in an area covered by EE’s 4G network; sadly not all rural areas can access the full 90Mbps EE’s 4G network can offer, which potentially makes the router a rather niche device.
It’s also worth noting that UK government is committed to improving broadband speeds in the countryside, so choosing to live out in the sticks may soon not mean sacrificing steady Netflix streaming.
Related: EE 20GB SIM-free summer deal
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
