Check Mobile Coverage on EE

EE is – along with Three, Vodafone, and O2 – one of the UK’s main mobile networks. It has been in business since 2010 and in that time it has shown itself to be a pioneer, launching services such as 5G before rivals.

As a major network, EE also sells all sorts of different plan types, including smartphones, SIM Only, mobile broadband, home broadband, Pay As You Go, and tablets. So, it’s a comprehensive network, and below you’ll find more details of its coverage and selling points.

What types of mobile coverage does EE have?

EE offers 2G, 4G, 5G, and 5G Standalone coverage. You might notice that there’s no mention of 3G, and that’s because EE has switched its 3G network off and it has plans to ultimately do the same with 2G. That’s no bad thing though, as it frees up spectrum and infrastructure for 4G and 5G use – and these technologies are far faster.

5G Standalone is the best currently available network technology though, as this refers to a 5G network that doesn’t contain any legacy infrastructure. The result is a faster, more reliable 5G network, with lower latency, less battery use, better security, and improved coverage.

What are the selling points of EE?

Beyond its various speedy network technologies, EE has a number of selling points. For one thing, as mentioned above, EE sells a wide variety of plans, so whether you want a phone on contract, a SIM Only or Pay As You Go plan, a tablet, mobile broadband, home broadband, a data-only plan, or even a smartwatch, EE has options to suit.

EE also gives you an ‘Inclusive Extra’ with select plans, with the current selection including Apple Music, Apple TV Plus, Apple One, Google One AI Premium, Google One Premium 2TB, Netflix Standard with Adverts, Netflix Premium, TNT Sports on Discovery+, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate – though the exact selection will be a subset of these that varies depending on the plan you choose.

Select EE plans also let you inclusively roam in the EU and in some cases beyond, and you can gift unused data to family and friends. You can also tether, set spending caps, and make use of 4G Calling and Wi-Fi Calling. eSIMs and family plans are also available on EE.

How can I check EE’s network status?

If you want to check for problems with EE’s network in your area, you can head to EE’s service status page and log in.

Alternatively, enter a postcode on EE’s coverage checker and it will also say if there are any known network issues in that area.

You can also text ‘Network Status’ to 150 from your EE phone to get the same information.

What can I do to improve signal?

There are various things you can do to potentially improve your signal. First, use one of the links above to check whether there’s a known issue with EE’s network in your area – if there is, you might simply need to wait for this to be resolved.

But if you’re experiencing signal issues while EE’s network isn’t reporting any problems, it could be an issue with your device. To check this, first try turning airplane mode on and off again. If this doesn’t solve things, restart your phone, and finally, check to make sure your phone’s software is up to date.

If none of this solves the problem then consider your surroundings – phone signals aren’t always as strong indoors, especially through thick walls, so you could try moving near to a window or outside to see if that helps.

If you’re under thick tree cover that can also have an impact, as can bad weather, so move somewhere clearer or wait for the weather to clear up, and hopefully that will help. Likewise, if you’re in a congested area such as a stadium or airport, that can impact signal.

Of course, some of these problems aren’t ones you can solve yourself, but in the meantime, you could try making use of Wi-Fi Calling. This allows you to call and text over Wi-Fi rather than EE’s mobile network. And if all else fails and none of the things above seem to be the cause or solution, get in touch with EE for further assistance. You can reach the network on 150 from your EE phone or on 07953 966 150 from any other phone.

What other networks use EE’s network?

EE shares its coverage and infrastructure with a number of MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators). At the time of writing, these include 1pMobile, Lyca Mobile, Spusu, Talk Home, Ecotalk, Boshhh, CMLink, IQ Mobile, Now Mobile, Popit Mobile, Utility Warehouse, Mozillion, Slice Mobile, and Your Co-Op.

Does EE have coverage abroad?

EE itself doesn’t have infrastructure abroad, but it has partnered with foreign networks to ensure you still have a signal when you’re roaming.

Roaming does cost extra on many plans, but on select plans you can roam in 47 European destinations at no extra cost (up to a 50GB fair usage limit), while some up the number to 52 locations, including five outside of Europe.

The European locations include Austria, Azores, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus (excludes northern Cyprus), Czech Republic, Canary Islands, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, French Guiana, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guadeloupe, Guernsey, Hungary, Iceland, Isle of Man, Italy, Jersey, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madeira, Malta, Martinique, Mayotte, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Reunion Islands, Romania, San Marino, Saint Martin (French), Saint Barthelemy, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Vatican City (Italy).

The global locations include the US, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand. 

If you don’t have inclusive roaming on your plan, then you’ll have to pay £2.59 per day to roam in the European destinations above, or you can pay £5 per day to roam in the US, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand. For anywhere else, you’ll have to pay extra regardless of your plan.