U.K.’s First 4G Network Starts Selling Delayed 12-Month SIM-Only Tariffs Online

EE, the U.K.’s first 4G network carrier, has quietly launched SIM-only plans. The tariffs, which allow people who already own a 4G handset to use EE’s network without having to sign up to a two-year contract that includes the cost of a handset, were originally scheduled for launch earlier this month but were delayed by around two weeks — owing to testing processes “over-running”, according to the company.

The 12-month SIM-only plans have gone live on EE’s website and are also available via telesales. EE said SIM-only plans would also be available in its retail stores “soon”.

Prices start at £21 per month for a tariff with a 500MB data cap, rising to £36 for 5GB of data — making them £15 per month cheaper than EE’s 24-month handset plans. Unlike the handset plans, the SIM-only plans do not currently offer the top of the line 8GB option. EE has been criticised for not offering any unlimited data tariffs.