EE, the UK's first 4G network, has delayed its SIM-free tariffs, with the cheaper deals now expected to arrive "within the next two weeks".
Although the new network went live a few weeks ago, it seems you'll have to sit tight if you want to buy one of the network's SIM-only plans, which were supposed to go live today.
The all-caps operator took to Twitter to apologise for the delay. "Sorry folks," EE said, "There's been a date change for our SIM-only plans. We expect to bring them in the next two weeks. Stay tuned for the new date."
In a statement sent to CNET UK, EE said, "Our 4GEE SIM-only plans will now be launching within the next two weeks."
The contrite operator continues, "We know many customers are keen to get their hands on our SIM-only plans and we are looking forward to offering them as soon as our testing process is complete. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause."
The delay will affect anyone who was planning on signing up to the 4G network, but doesn't need EE to supply a new phone. Because these deals are typically much cheaper per month, it can be less expensive in the long run to buy an unlocked phone separately and sign up to a SIM-only plan.
There are no prices currently listed on EE's site, but we had heard earlier that SIM-only plans would start at £21. That's a not inconsiderable sum, but then all of EE's prices so far have been rather steep.
Indeed, EE has come under fire for its pricey contracts, which start at £36, and for the fact that there's no unlimited data option -- something of a limitation for a service that's all about speedy downloads.
Orange and T-Mobile, which are part of EE, will continue to operate for now, though eagle-eyed high-street denizens will have noticed that those networks' 700 shops have been changed, in a sneaky rebadging exercise.
Are you planning on getting a SIM-only EE plan? Or is it just too expensive? Tell me in the comments or on our Facebook wall.
Android App 
RSS Feeds 
iPhone App 
Newsletters 
Comments 6
Add your comment
anonymous 9 November, 2012 18:18
Clearly they are delaying because they cannot cope and need to stem the flow of customers. I've got an iPhone with 'EE' and it cannot receive calls unless I disable LTE (4G).
Had to request the tariff I wanted THREE times.
Want to throw in the towel and leave 'EE' within 14 days? Well they don't make that easy either!
My advice - stay away from 'EE' for a minimum of 6 months until they get their house in order unless you want to spend hours listening to their hold music!
Fantom 9 November, 2012 22:44
I migrate from t-mobile to ee on 2nd of November it was my biggest mistake ever.Now I calling to them every day because I've got bill with 41£ but they even didn't send me a new sim and every day new story.T mobile turn off my 3G so I can do only call and text,when I register to my new ee account I was in shock because in two day using my phone with unlimited calls and text unbilled usage was 11.50 how come,I call them again they told its nothing what to worry about,today 10 th of November and I still waiting for replacement sim,I was in 5 stores non of them got replacement sim in stock,forget about phone swapping for 99£ if you have iPhone they just not instructed to do so.Stay away from them now I wish I could back to t mobile.Ee will charge you upfront they selling to you air,what they haven't got in reality and sending you from adviser to adviser.
damien2501 10 November, 2012 09:25
EE suck
anonymous 10 November, 2012 10:50
Too expensive, data allowances are pitiful, dreadful coverage, a bit of technological "Bling" (shiny and useless) for the sheep who have to have the latest shiniest gadget. iPhone 5 users will of course love it.
anonymous 11 November, 2012 14:45
I am still with T-Mobile and already started to have network problems with EE. I get 5 bars of EE reception but no sign to say 3G. This way I can only receive and make calls but no internet services. When I called T-Mobile they said network problems. What is mentioned here in the comments is typical of what Orange was. Very poor customer service and major network problems. I have iPhone5 but will not change to EE unless they have a SIM only monthly contracts. Much better wait till next year when other networks have 4G.
anonymous 19 November, 2012 21:05
EE please change your Logo to NN 'nothing nowhere'
I was with O2 and change to EE because of 4G. I've made the biggest mistake ever and I don't want other people do the same. O2's 3G is millions time more reliable than EE's 4G.