First look at EE’s superfast Wi-Fi upgrade coming to customers later this year with mega speeds and improved connection
EE is preparing a major Wi-Fi upgrade later this year with a brand new router packing the speediest tech.
The BT-owned operator previously teased its new broadband device last year but The Sun has obtained new images and details about it ahead of release.
Firstly, we can reveal that the router will be called the Smart Hub Pro.
As previously reported, it will adopt the latest standard in Wi-Fi known as Wi-Fi 7.
Wi-Fi 7 routers have been slowly appearing on the market and boost faster speeds, as well as a more reliable connection.
To get the full benefits, the device on the other end, such as your smartphone or laptop, will need to support Wi-Fi 7 too.
Wi-Fi routers also need to evolve with the times as more data-hungry gadgets enter the market for things like cloud gaming, AR and VR, as well as more 4K and eventually 8K streaming.
So, EE’s new router will be equipped to handle much broader capacity, as well as being less susceptible to interference from other signals.
EE is currently starting trials with the service – ahead of product launch later this year.
When speaking about the upcoming launch last year, EE boss Marc Allera said customers would be among the first globally to benefit from access to a certified next-gen Wi-Fi 7 home hub.
The company has worked with US tech giant Qualcomm on developing the new kit.
“We have a long history of collaborating with Qualcomm Technologies to create innovation in mobile for consumers – so we’re delighted to evolve this strategic collaboration into our in-home products for the first time,” Allera said at the time.
The new hub is less than ten inches tall and five inches wide.
On the back, there are four LAN ports, so you can continue to connect items like your TV or games console directly to the router without using Wi-Fi.
Top tips on how to stay connected
Here are some tips from Ofcom on how to improve your Wi-Fi connection and get more out of it:
- Use your landline or Wi-Fi calls:More people are making calls on their mobile network during the day, so you may find you get a more reliable connection using your landline or by turning on “wifi calling” in your settings.
- Move your router clear of other devices: Keep your router as far away as possible from other devices, such as cordless phones, baby monitors, TVs and monitors, as they can all affect your Wi-Fi if they’re too close to your router. Also, place your router on a table or shelf rather than on the floor, and keep it switched on.
- Lower the demands on your connection: The more devices attached to your wifi, the lower the speed you get. Devices like tablets and smartphones often work in the background, so try switching wifi reception off on these when you’re not using them.
- Try wired rather than wireless:For the best broadband speeds, use an Ethernet cable to connect your computer directly to your router rather than using Wi-FI.
- Plug your router directly into your main phone socket:Where possible, try not to use a telephone extension lead, as these can cause interference which could lower your speed.
- Test the speed on your broadband line: You can run a speed test using Ofcom’s official mobile and broadband checker. If possible, carry out tests over a few days and see if there are any changes.