EE promised Download speeds versus BT...why so different?

[Aphid]

I bit the bullet and signed up (provisionally) for EE Fibre Max 100 last night having done my homework on anticipated speeds versus BT, my current provider. More specific details emerged in the follow up EE email that are a concern.

Oddly, based on results for my specific property, the differences now quoted are very different. Does this make sense?

EE (Fibre Max 100)

EE say my line will support speeds of 100mbps

Guarantee minimum download of 50mbps, upload of 20mbps

BT (Fibre 100)

BT estimate average speeds of 145mbps.

Guaranteed minimum download of 100mbps, upload 30mbps

[Mustrum]

If you show us the results after you enter your phone number in the BTW DSL checker , we should be able to help - make sure you hide your phone number or address.

[Aphid]

Thanks, @Mustrum . I had problems presenting an image previously but here goes.

[Mustrum]

Thanks @Aphid  we will need to wait for a mod to approve the pic before it shows - i am sure they wont be long.

[Aphid]

Understood. Thanks.

[Mustrum]

@Aphid  looks like you left the phone number or address on the pic as it has not been approved..

[Aphid]

Ill try again. I thought I’d blacked out the phone number (clearly not well enough). Not aware of an address showing? Try again...

[Mustrum]

OK, so if you move to FTTP you could have download speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps if the supplier has that option available..

Alas I don't have this option, but I suspect you are not comparing apples with apples!

Both BT and EE will have options, although they may not be the same, no doubt prices won't be the same either. BT marketing like to show they are offering a bit more for their services compared to the opposition, but normally at a price.

Plusnet, also part of the BT group tend to offer a no frills service at a lower cost than BT for broadband, or mobile than EE. EE offers the best mobile service, but their broadband may have a few less frills than BT. 

So how do the monthly prices compare? And where are your priorities?

[XRaySpeX]

Is BT actually offering you BT Fibre 100?

EE Fibre Max 100 is originally meant to be a G.Fast product capped at 165 Meg but advertised as up to 145 Meg. However if you have FTTP there EE can offer the FTTP variant of the same thing. I believe BT would call this BT Full Fibre 100.

As you don't have G.Fast there but do have FTTP, EE are offering you the FTTP variant.

[Aphid]

My priorities are to get value for money at the end of the day - good, reliable speeds against overall costs.

I’m aware of the importance of having a good router that is reliable, provides what is promised and offers good WiFi range capabilities throughout my house. I consider my current BT SmartHub 2 to be in that category although the new EE Smart Router is the same, I believe.

Cost wise, for the Fibre 100/Fibre Max super fast options, there isn’t much in it. £39.99 a month with BT (current retention offer), £35 for the EE option with a 10% mobile user discount. 

Then the decision becomes more awkward. As stated earlier, BT indicate 145mbps download guaranteeing at least 100mbps. EE indicate 100mbps typical speeds but will only guarantee 50mbps, which is pitiful. On top of that, EE say the set up and install costs will be 2x£25...just £9.99 for BT (although this was free just the other week). EE warn of RPI cost rises + 3.9% every March - 18 month contract. BT say no increases even at the end of 24 month contract.

As things stand, it seems I’m better off staying with BT who I have been mostly happy with over the years.