EE MVNO List: Comprehensive Overview and Analysis

Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) are wireless communication service providers that do not own their own network infrastructure. As an alternative to the huge investment and process of setting up your own mobile operation, you can enter into an agreement with one of the mobile network operators (in this case EE) to buy bulk access to network services at wholesale rates.

The European telecom market witnessed significant changes in the 1990s due to market liberalisation. Before the 1990s, most European countries operated state-owned telecom monopolies. The European Union (EU) introduced regulations to open up the telecom market to competition - this process is often referred to as "market liberalisation."

In the mobile sector, liberalisation led to the introduction of new players in the market as a consequence of breaking the monopolies held by state-owned operators. The increased competition led to lower prices and better services for consumers and businesses. This competition also brought about innovation as companies had to compete not only on price but also on the quality and variety of their offerings.

The liberalisation of the telecom market in the 1990s also paved the way for the development and growth of mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). The first significant MVNO agreement was established in Scandinavia in 1997 by Sense Communications with Sonera in Finland. Despite initial failures in other countries, Sense was able to sign a service provider agreement with Telia/Telenor Mobile for GSM network capacity access in 1999 which allowed the company to offer services to their own customers in Sweden and Norway.

By 2008, US wireless subscribers had a choice between around 40 MVNOs. As of 2022, there were 1,986 active MVNOs globally with Europe leading in terms of most active MVNOs in operation with 1,012, representing half of the total global MVNO market.

Who are the current EE MVNOs?

The following table contains the top 8 UK EE MVNO businesses.

Other EE MVNO Service Providers table.

Why choose EE as your MVNO?

If a business is considering setting up as an EE Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), there are several reasons to consider EE vs other MVNO options available in the marketplace.

EE operates the widest 4G coverage in the UK which reaches 99% of the UK population. Their extensive coverage ensures that your EE MVNO customers will have access to a reliable signal in most locations. There have been numerous independent tests which conclude that EE has consistently demonstrated the fastest 4G speeds which means customers can leverage the Internet to work from wherever they are located.

In addition to their 4G network, EE was the first UK network to launch 5G and continues to expand 5G coverage. If business customers have purchased a 5G-compatible phone, they can benefit from even faster speeds and more reliable connections.

EE also supports WiFi Calling and 4G Calling (VoLTE) which allows customers to make calls over WiFi in areas with poor signal and over 4G for better quality and faster connection times. We use 4G WiFi calling at Netify for employees due to poor network coverage. The flexibility across calling options can be a significant selling point for customers. EE permits tethering on all plans which can be a valuable feature for customers needing to use their laptop or tablet on the go without WiFi access.

EE also offer value add services to their deals which include free subscriptions to Apple Music, BT Sport and other services on some of their plans but you should note, they may not be available to your business when operating as an MVNO.  In terms of roaming, EE provides roaming in the EU with options for extra countries. As an EE MVNO, your business can leverage their reputation to offer new and existing customers a reliable and responsive service.