Front page of tomorrow's Metro - https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BjmvbiOIYAAMd7r.jpg:large
EE offers Britain's cheapest 4G phone?
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I thought Huawei were looking to move away from network branded handsets. But all in all this is a pretty good move for EE . Getting the UK's cheapest 4G handset as an exclusive will be good as a lot of people are always on the look out for low cost phones.
It's also good for consumers as well. Allows those looking for a cheap 4G phone to get this on PAYG and unlock it to use their own SIM (or just stick with an EE SIM), similar to how people bought the Orange San Francisco when that came out on Orange.
It's also good for consumers as well. Allows those looking for a cheap 4G phone to get this on PAYG and unlock it to use their own SIM (or just stick with an EE SIM), similar to how people bought the Orange San Francisco when that came out on Orange.
The specs of the phone look similar to the Moto G- isn't the cheapest 4G phone out there still the Nokia 625?
Lol, daily cost less than a 79p pint of milk... So is their old £23 a month 4G tariff...
As for "removing the barriers to 4G" I'm not sure how a publicity stunt tariff is any better than, say, giving it free to existing customers as several other networks have done...
As for "removing the barriers to 4G" I'm not sure how a publicity stunt tariff is any better than, say, giving it free to existing customers as several other networks have done...
Originally Posted by Thine Wonk:
“How many megabytes of 4G data do they give you for that £23 a month deal?”
“How many megabytes of 4G data do they give you for that £23 a month deal?”
500 most likely.
Originally Posted by eljmayes:
“500 most likely.”
“500 most likely.”
A small number of speedtests or 1 single 30 minute iPlayer show then really. 4G is a bit useless if you can hardly use it for any data consuming tasks.
I hope it isn't too long until Motorola/Lenovo releases the Moto G update, with Snapdragon 410 that will enable 4G and 5GHz Wi-Fi.
The Moto G is such an excellent all round package, and while most people probably won't care about 4G at that price point, a 4G version will cater to those that do - but don't see the point in spending £500-600+ on a phone that they don't look at in the same way as we do.
The Moto G is such an excellent all round package, and while most people probably won't care about 4G at that price point, a 4G version will cater to those that do - but don't see the point in spending £500-600+ on a phone that they don't look at in the same way as we do.
The EE Kestrel OEM Huawei device looks rather decent for the fee quoted. It'll also be available as a PAYG phone for £99.99.
Further details of price plans and photos of it are here: http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/1280...g-handset-plan
Further details of price plans and photos of it are here: http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/1280...g-handset-plan
Interesting might buy one to have a device to test 4G networks as it's a Cat-4 device would be pretty good for that. Not sure how easy it would be to get unlocked though.
Originally Posted by enapace:
“Interesting might buy one to have a device to test 4G networks as it's a Cat-4 device would be pretty good for that. Not sure how easy it would be to get unlocked though.”
“Interesting might buy one to have a device to test 4G networks as it's a Cat-4 device would be pretty good for that. Not sure how easy it would be to get unlocked though.”
All the other Huawei phones and devices sold seem to be fairly easy to unlock. The phone is probably one which is already sold elsewhere or will be soon and shortly after it's available there will no doubt be a solution available on the www!
Publicity stunt by EE. How much have they paid the metro to carry this as a headline. I thought tesco had a nokia 4g phone for £12.50 per month. Wouldn't this be the cheapest 4G option.
SP
SP
After using my Moto G, I can never look at one of the cheap Huawei/ZTE models in the same light again.
Obviously having 4G is good, but I still expect the phone itself to be very 'meh' and I'd sooner wait for the 4G Moto G which hopefully won't be too long, or indeed any other affordable Motorola.
Motorola made it very clear at MWC that they'd be continuing to produce high-spec, low-price hardware.
That said, when you're talking about £99 for a phone then you can afford to take a punt and change it when something better comes out. You'll probably still get £40-50 for it second hand, so you're not losing anywhere near as much (as a monetary value) as you would on a high end phone.
Obviously having 4G is good, but I still expect the phone itself to be very 'meh' and I'd sooner wait for the 4G Moto G which hopefully won't be too long, or indeed any other affordable Motorola.
Motorola made it very clear at MWC that they'd be continuing to produce high-spec, low-price hardware.
That said, when you're talking about £99 for a phone then you can afford to take a punt and change it when something better comes out. You'll probably still get £40-50 for it second hand, so you're not losing anywhere near as much (as a monetary value) as you would on a high end phone.
We are beginning to see a shift towards reasonably good specs for affordable prices .
The Moto G set the ball rolling so hats off to them .
A hell of a lot of people can't afford £40+ a month flagships .
500mb is enough for someone who just wants to check Gmail or do a spot of mobile banking occasionally
This will sell rather well I reckon
The Moto G set the ball rolling so hats off to them .
A hell of a lot of people can't afford £40+ a month flagships .
500mb is enough for someone who just wants to check Gmail or do a spot of mobile banking occasionally
This will sell rather well I reckon
Well Olaf seems to have changed his tune rather quickly!
I remember reading that just barely a month ago - if this isn't "devaluing 4G" then I don't know what is.
Not that I think it's a bad think I hasten to add, just that it seems completely at odds with what EE's CEO was saying very recently indeed. Perhaps he has realised just how out of touch he was!
Interesting that this now undercuts the SIM only 4G plans that EE offer, as currently it looks like better value to get one of these kestrel handset plans and simply use the SIM in another phone (assuming you can) rather than get a SIM free plan - if 500 minutes and 500MB is enough for you at least, and you don't mind the 24 month minimum term. The EE site is currently down, but as I recall the cheapest SIM free 4G plan EE previously offered was unlimited calls & texts with 500MB data for £16/month on a 12 month plan (£23/month for 1 month plan). Probably not really worth it for the sake of £2 a month to be locked in for twice as long and only have 500 mins rather than Unlimited, but for some it might be tempting.
Quote:
“EE accuses Three of devaluing 4G by offering it for free
CEO Olaf Swantee says it will lead to uncertainty among customers over the value it can offer, reiterating that EE won’t be drawn into a price war”
“EE accuses Three of devaluing 4G by offering it for free
CEO Olaf Swantee says it will lead to uncertainty among customers over the value it can offer, reiterating that EE won’t be drawn into a price war”
I remember reading that just barely a month ago - if this isn't "devaluing 4G" then I don't know what is.
Not that I think it's a bad think I hasten to add, just that it seems completely at odds with what EE's CEO was saying very recently indeed. Perhaps he has realised just how out of touch he was!
Interesting that this now undercuts the SIM only 4G plans that EE offer, as currently it looks like better value to get one of these kestrel handset plans and simply use the SIM in another phone (assuming you can) rather than get a SIM free plan - if 500 minutes and 500MB is enough for you at least, and you don't mind the 24 month minimum term. The EE site is currently down, but as I recall the cheapest SIM free 4G plan EE previously offered was unlimited calls & texts with 500MB data for £16/month on a 12 month plan (£23/month for 1 month plan). Probably not really worth it for the sake of £2 a month to be locked in for twice as long and only have 500 mins rather than Unlimited, but for some it might be tempting.
Where does the Metro or EE get its milk? 79p a pint 
I pay one pound for 4 pints in Iceland or Tescos and other places 
I pay one pound for 4 pints in Iceland or Tescos and other places
Originally Posted by simon69c:
“Interesting that this now undercuts the SIM only 4G plans that EE offer, as currently it looks like better value to get one of these kestrel handset plans and simply use the SIM in another phone (assuming you can) rather than get a SIM free plan - if 500 minutes and 500MB is enough for you at least, and you don't mind the 24 month minimum term. The EE site is currently down, but as I recall the cheapest SIM free 4G plan EE previously offered was unlimited calls & texts with 500MB data for £16/month on a 12 month plan (£23/month for 1 month plan). Probably not really worth it for the sake of £2 a month to be locked in for twice as long and only have 500 mins rather than Unlimited, but for some it might be tempting.”
“Interesting that this now undercuts the SIM only 4G plans that EE offer, as currently it looks like better value to get one of these kestrel handset plans and simply use the SIM in another phone (assuming you can) rather than get a SIM free plan - if 500 minutes and 500MB is enough for you at least, and you don't mind the 24 month minimum term. The EE site is currently down, but as I recall the cheapest SIM free 4G plan EE previously offered was unlimited calls & texts with 500MB data for £16/month on a 12 month plan (£23/month for 1 month plan). Probably not really worth it for the sake of £2 a month to be locked in for twice as long and only have 500 mins rather than Unlimited, but for some it might be tempting.”
This has been the case for a while on the higher end handset contracts too.
You can get a Galaxy S4 with 20GB data a month for £38 a month. The sim free cost of a plan with 20GB data is a hell of a lot more (yes you have to deal with the 24 month contract, but still).
Originally Posted by alan.w:
“Where does the Metro or EE get its milk? 79p a pint I pay one pound for 4 pints in Iceland or Tescos and other places ”
“Where does the Metro or EE get its milk? 79p a pint
I pay one pound for 4 pints in Iceland or Tescos and other places ”
The same place that David Cameron thinks you can buy bread for 60p.
I'm tempted get the Xperia SP 20GB of data a month for £37.99 free phone. Obviously would sell the phone and just use the Sim. Think that is a brilliant price honestly.
Kestrel is now showing as available on the EE website on Contract and PAYG at £99 + £10 top-up (10GB data also included - not sure about validity period though).
Contract prices seem not too bad but the PAYG offer looks pretty expensive with 1GB of data, 400 SMS and 200 Mins at (£10 + £2 + £5) £17 per 30 days. That's more than £303 for 1 year compared to contract deal at £18.99/month with 1GB data, unlimited SMS and 1000 Mins (Free Handset) - Total £227.88.
Phone looks a winner with a spec not seen at the price point previously. Huawei are a reputable manufacturer too so the handset should perform well and has sufficient spec to support EE's double speed 4G if required.
Contract prices seem not too bad but the PAYG offer looks pretty expensive with 1GB of data, 400 SMS and 200 Mins at (£10 + £2 + £5) £17 per 30 days. That's more than £303 for 1 year compared to contract deal at £18.99/month with 1GB data, unlimited SMS and 1000 Mins (Free Handset) - Total £227.88.
Phone looks a winner with a spec not seen at the price point previously. Huawei are a reputable manufacturer too so the handset should perform well and has sufficient spec to support EE's double speed 4G if required.
It been for sale for a few days now on the website and longer in stores,
The phone is also CAT4 4G up to 150mbps dl.
The phone is also CAT4 4G up to 150mbps dl.
Originally Posted by wavejockglw:
“Kestrel is now showing as available on the EE website on Contract and PAYG at £99 + £10 top-up (10GB data also included - not sure about validity period though).
Contract prices seem not too bad but the PAYG offer looks pretty expensive with 1GB of data, 400 SMS and 200 Mins at (£10 + £2 + £5) £17 per 30 days. That's more than £303 for 1 year compared to contract deal at £18.99/month with 1GB data, unlimited SMS and 1000 Mins (Free Handset) - Total £227.88.
Phone looks a winner with a spec not seen at the price point previously. Huawei are a reputable manufacturer too so the handset should perform well and has sufficient spec to support EE's double speed 4G if required.”
“Kestrel is now showing as available on the EE website on Contract and PAYG at £99 + £10 top-up (10GB data also included - not sure about validity period though).
Contract prices seem not too bad but the PAYG offer looks pretty expensive with 1GB of data, 400 SMS and 200 Mins at (£10 + £2 + £5) £17 per 30 days. That's more than £303 for 1 year compared to contract deal at £18.99/month with 1GB data, unlimited SMS and 1000 Mins (Free Handset) - Total £227.88.
Phone looks a winner with a spec not seen at the price point previously. Huawei are a reputable manufacturer too so the handset should perform well and has sufficient spec to support EE's double speed 4G if required.”
Originally Posted by BMR:
“Awful choice of name. Reminds me of a cheap brand of extra strong lager ....”
“Awful choice of name. Reminds me of a cheap brand of extra strong lager ....”
Indeed.....
Maybe future additions to the range will include the Hawk, Buzzard, Vulture, Eagle, Falcon and Owl?
Originally Posted by klendathu:
“I reckon the new Moto launching next week will be of similar price but better spec.
Just a hunch”
“I reckon the new Moto launching next week will be of similar price but better spec.
Just a hunch
”
Doubt it. It'll probably be quite expensive compared to Moto G prices.
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