EE, a major UK-based mobile network provider, offers a range of promotional benefits and freebies to its customers. These incentives are designed to enhance the value of mobile contracts and SIM-only plans, often including subscriptions to streaming services, entertainment add-ons, and data-related perks. The availability of these freebies typically depends on the type of plan, contract length, and customer status (new or existing). The following information details the specific freebies and benefits available to EE customers, based on verified sources.
Streaming Service Subscriptions
EE provides access to several popular streaming services as part of its promotional offers. These benefits are often included at no additional cost for a limited period or as an ongoing perk for eligible plans.
Apple TV+
EE customers with a pay monthly or SIM-only phone plan on a minimum 12-month term can obtain three months of free Apple TV+. This offer is available to both new and existing customers. During the free period, the subscription appears on the customer's bill as a benefit under the "included with EE" section. After the three months, it will be listed as a charge in the "entertainment" section unless cancelled.
To activate the offer, customers must text "TV PLUS" to 150. EE will then send a six-month free activation code. Customers must log into their EE account, navigate to Plan & Add-ons > Add-ons > Apple TV+, and follow the provided instructions to complete activation.
Additionally, customers who purchase a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, or Mac from Apple or an authorized reseller receive three months of Apple TV+ for free. This is a separate offer from the EE plan-based benefit and is intended for customers acquiring a new Apple device.
Disney+
O2, a sister network to EE under the BT Group, offers Disney+ as a freebie for new customers joining with a phone contract costing at least £12 per month. This allows customers to access the Disney+ streaming service at no extra cost for the duration of the qualifying contract. Existing O2 customers can add Disney+ to their bill at a discounted rate of £3.99 per month, which is lower than the standard subscription price of £5.99 per month or £59.99 per year.
While this offer is specific to O2, it is relevant in the context of UK mobile network freebies, as O2 and EE are part of the same corporate group and may offer similar incentives to compete for customers.
Entertainment and Sports Add-Ons
EE and its associated networks provide various entertainment and sports add-ons, some of which are offered as freebies under certain conditions.
TNT Sports
BT Mobile customers with plans including 15GB of data or costing more than £20 per month historically received TNT Sports (formerly BT Sports) as a free add-on. However, if a customer transfers their mobile services to EE, the free TNT Sports addon would cease. This is because the freebie is tied to the BT Mobile contract and is not transferable to EE plans.
Customers with BT broadband receive a 10% discount on EE mobile plans, which may help offset the cost of adding TNT Sports to an EE plan. To access this discount, customers must log into their BT account at bt.com/mybt, click on mobile, and proceed to the EE store to complete the order. No voucher or reference code is needed. For customers satisfied with their current BT Mobile pricing, it is recommended to remain on their existing 30-day rolling contract without transferring.
Device and Hardware Freebies
Mobile network providers often bundle physical items or hardware with phone contracts to attract customers.
PlayStation VR
Vodafone has offered a free PlayStation VR set (valued at £259) to customers who purchase the Sony Xperia 1 phone. The associated contract costs £63 per month with a £29 upfront cost and includes 128GB of storage. The VR starter pack includes a PS VR headset, PlayStation Camera, and PlayStation VR Worlds. This offer demonstrates the type of hardware freebies available in the UK market, though it is specific to Vodafone.
Smart Watches and AirPods
Other UK networks, including O2, EE, Vodafone, and 3 Mobile, have been known to offer freebies such as smart watches and AirPods with select phone contracts. These offers vary by provider and are typically available with new phone deals or upgrades.
Data and Roaming Benefits
EE has introduced several data-related benefits and policy changes that enhance the overall value of its plans.
EU Roaming
EE reintroduced free EU roaming as standard for all customers, a change implemented in 2024. This allows customers to use their domestic data, call, and text allowances in EU countries without incurring additional charges. This policy reversal addresses previous restrictions that were in place since mid-2021.
5G Download Limits
EE has removed 5G download limits on its plans, providing customers with unrestricted access to 5G speeds where available. This change is part of a broader network shake-up aimed at improving the customer experience and maintaining competitiveness.
Data Gifting and Wi-Fi Calling
All EE phone deals include the ability to gift data to other EE customers. This feature allows customers to share unused data with family or friends on the same network. Additionally, EE offers call via Wi-Fi, enabling customers to make calls over a Wi-Fi connection when cellular signal is weak.
Data-Free Access to Subscription Services
Depending on the plan, EE customers may receive data-free access to a range of subscription services. This means that using these services does not deduct from the customer's data allowance. The specific services included vary by plan and are typically detailed in the plan's add-ons section.
Plan Eligibility and Requirements
Access to freebies and benefits is contingent on meeting specific plan requirements.
Contract Length and Cost
Most freebies, such as the three-month Apple TV+ offer, require a minimum contract term of 12 months for pay monthly or SIM-only plans. Some offers, like O2's Disney+ freebie, require the phone contract to cost at least £12 per month. Higher-value plans may unlock additional freebies, such as hardware or premium subscriptions.
New vs. Existing Customers
Some offers are exclusively for new customers, while others are available to existing customers. For example, the Apple TV+ offer is available to both new and existing EE customers, whereas the O2 Disney+ offer is primarily for new customers (with a discounted rate for existing ones).
Plan Type
The type of plan (e.g., pay monthly, SIM-only, or pay-as-you-go) can affect eligibility. For instance, the Apple TV+ offer is available for pay monthly and SIM-only plans but may not apply to pay-as-you-go or business plans.
How to Access Freebies
The process for claiming freebies varies by offer and provider.
Text-Based Activation
For the Apple TV+ offer, customers must text "TV PLUS" to 150 to receive an activation code. This is a straightforward method that initiates the process directly from the customer's device.
Online Account Management
Many freebies are managed through the provider's online account portal. For example, adding Disney+ to an O2 bill or activating Apple TV+ requires logging into the provider's website or app and navigating to the add-ons section.
Third-Party Retailers
Some freebies may be available through third-party retailers like Mobiles.co.uk or Carphone Warehouse. These retailers often offer their own incentives in addition to the network's standard freebies, such as additional data allowances or discounted upfront costs.
Considerations and Limitations
While freebies add value, customers should be aware of certain limitations and considerations.
Post-Free Period Charges
After the free period ends, subscriptions may automatically renew and appear as charges on the bill. Customers should be prepared to cancel the subscription if they do not wish to continue paying.
Transfer Restrictions
Freebies tied to a specific network, such as BT Mobile's TNT Sports, may not transfer if the customer switches providers. It is important to review the terms and conditions of any freebie to understand its portability.
Regional Availability
Some offers may be limited to specific regions. For example, the free returns process mentioned in one source is only available for Australian customers, highlighting that not all promotions are global. For UK-based offers like EE's freebies, they are generally available across the UK, but customers should verify availability for their specific location.
Source Reliability
The information provided is based on verified sources, including official provider websites, community forums, and reputable news outlets. However, promotional offers can change frequently. Customers are advised to check the provider's official website for the most current information before making a decision.
Conclusion
EE and its associated networks offer a variety of freebies and benefits to enhance the value of their mobile plans. These include streaming service subscriptions like Apple TV+ and Disney+, entertainment add-ons such as TNT Sports, and data-related perks like free EU roaming and data gifting. Eligibility for these offers typically depends on plan type, contract length, and customer status. Customers should carefully review the terms and conditions of each offer, including any post-free period charges and transfer restrictions, to make informed decisions. By leveraging these freebies, customers can maximize the value of their mobile plans while enjoying additional entertainment and services.