EE has announced new 5GEE WiFi plans with the HTC 5G Hub, making it the first carrier in the UK to launch 5G broadband. The HTC 5G Hub is essentially an Android device that supports 5G and has the ability to run a hotspot that 20 other devices can connect to. This makes it much easier to get set up with than traditional WiFi which sometimes required an engineer to visit to conduct an installation.
Discussing the launch, Edward Goff, Marketing Director at EE, said:
“Our 5G network will give EE customers even faster, more reliable mobile WiFi connections where they need it most – whether online gaming on the move, downloading or streaming HD content, or simply keeping a fast connection in the busiest areas. With the HTC 5G Hub, we’re seeing mobile experiences typically associated with tablets and smartphones combined with the practicality of a mobile broadband device and portable battery. With such a diverse product, we’re the only UK network that allows users to enjoy the fastest mobile connectivity in more places.”
It’s not clear right now who EE is trying to pitch these devices too, most people have come to expect an unlimited amount of data use from their home broadband installations and for relatively low prices. EE’s new offerings, on the other hand, include an upfront cost of £100 plus £50 per month for 50GB of data, or £75 per month for 100GB - both contracts run for two years which is quite a long time too.
In its favour, the HTC 5G Hub is portable which will let you take your WiFi on the go, additionally, the HTC 5G Hub is basically an Android 9.0 device meaning you can install native Android apps, allowing you to use it like a tablet.
The HTC 5G Hub is powered by the Snapdragon 855 chipset and can deliver speeds of 5Gbps with the built-in Snapdragon X50 5G modem. The HTC 5G Hub also has Quick Charge 3.0 and USB-C 3.1 with DisplayPort support and includes 32GB of internal storage with expandable memory via MicroSD. With it being an Android device, it also supports Google Assistant, so that’s handy if you’re trying to have the robotic helper accessible across your home.
The plans are on sale right now from EE, you can find out more by heading over to their online store.