Why Is EE so Terrible?

[Eli-Hearts]

I joined EE last week - Got a phone call that the SIM only plan I would like I am not allowed to have and have been given an

"Essentials SIM Access - Unlimited Data" instead. 

The difference between the SIMO I wanted and I got was £9 and included the 2TB Google Drive addon.

You are telling me that £9 difference a month is something that I can't afford? Its trash... I can have 4 x UW SIM for £50 a month with Unlimited Data (FUP etc) with full speed rather then this crap / Capped 100 MBPS etc. 

What's even funnier? I asked for a 1 month term on the Essentials Access - Nope. Not allowed. 

This isn't a rant, its a serious thing here... Why? Why EE? Told I cant amend my tariff to the one I want till at least Feb next year... 

This sux... Just like EE CS

[Northerner]

Hi @Eli-Hearts 

It isn't an issue over £9 it is your ability to pay all your bills and your history, address history. EE as a responsible leader EE have made a decision on these factors and if you need their landing criteria. 

https://ee.co.uk/help/billing-payments/financial-support/credit-files-explained

Thanks 

[Matt_124]

Unfortunately if you've been put onto an Access Plan then this is due to a failed credit check after which EE have still decided to offer you some kind of plan - although with restrictions around out-of-bundle usage and additional charges to avoid building up a large debt on the account outside of the standard charges.

You could have chosen not to take this if the terms did not suit what you are looking for.

Information below taken from EE SIM Only Pay Monthly Plan Terms and Price Guide - from 7 Aug 2025 

"SIM ACCESS

These terms are in addition to our standard SIM plan terms where applicable and are subject to the restrictions outlined below. Offered at our discretion to those customers unable to obtain a standard SIM plan due to not passing the credit check. A 12-month minimum term applies. All services for use in the UK only, unless specified otherwise. No deposit required. Not compatible with sharer plans. Not eligible for multi-line discount."

"The credit limit is £30 which may be increased at our discretion from time to time. Once the credit limit is reached the service will be suspended. Once the balance is cleared the service is restored."

[Eli-Hearts]

It is over £9...

Credit file is fine. No defaults, No CCJs across all 3 CRAS, No CIFAS Markers or any kind. No late payments. No associations with people of any kid. 

 Not overburdened on CC / Loans etc or finance agreements anywhere. 

At my current address for 2 and a half years. On electoral roll for 2 and half years. 

Earn decent money every year. And its not just that - Ive sat on an underwriting team in the past assessing finances etc 

Yes the criteria is different vs what I was doing but even so.

This isn't about me wanting the latest and greatest phone and failing. This is the difference of £9 on a SIMO is minimal and affordable. I only want a SIMO including the 2 TB Goole Drive without speed caps. Its not that hard. 

---

These terms are in addition to our standard SIM plan terms where applicable and are subject to the restrictions outlined below. Offered at our discretion to those customers unable to obtain a standard SIM plan due to not passing the credit check. A 12-month minimum term applies. All services for use in the UK only, unless specified otherwise. No deposit required. Not compatible with sharer plans. Not eligible for multi-line discount."

---

Why wasn't I offered a 12 month when I asked then. Why only a 24 month. The risk is longer to both parties.??

Finally - No one can give me any idea as to when I will be able to upgrade to a SIMO at the right requirements for me. 6 months? 12 months? Who knows. 24 months? - Okay I reach the end of my term and I am unable to upgrade - Then what? 

As for 3rd party charges - I always set a 0 spend cap minus £10 on one line to pay for stuff on a main number. 

[Eli-Hearts · Accepted solution]

An update to anyone who sees this thread - I raised a formal complaint and spoke to the cancellations team today. 

Doing so managed to get my 24 month term reduced to 12 months instead and written confirmation that should I not be accepted for a SIMO upgrade to a full fat tariff in Feb next year - I will have the right to cancel the contract with no ETF.

I will ensure that this is enforced in the event EE are unable honour. 

There was acceptance of fault that I wasn't offered a 12 month term and only offered 24 months. They advised that from a credit checking perspective, they are struggling to line up my details with the CRA which is why I have been given a poor rating. Sucks TBH. 

[Chris_B]

@Eli-Hearts  Just to point out should you actually read the T&Cs EE do not have to offer you an upgrade.  

5. Upgrades and Renewals

We want Our customers to stay with Us, but We don't have to provide You with an Upgrade or Renewal. If You accept an Upgrade or Renewal then a new Minimum Term will be agreed with You and You will have to pay the Monthly Charge for the rest of the new Minimum Term (see points 2.5, 2.6 and 2.7 of the terms and conditions).

This is actually in your control,   Don’t miss a payment and don’t pay late.  

[Eli-Hearts]

Hi @Chris_B 

You are right - Completely right in all you say and I did read that as well.  But if they dont, I have an exit clause with no further ETCs after Late Feb. Thats fair and I cant complain at that.

But I shouldnt have to prove myself over £9 for the same type of product. I could understand full works vs this. Its like 2.5 the price. But not over £9. 

But anyway - If anybody ever finds themself in this position for whatever reason - Please fight back and challenge EE. 

I still have an issue where I cant activate my ESIM at the moment - So off to call CS again... (4th call since joining)