4G on LIFE Mobile: why it's unlikely to be coming soon
LIFE Mobile currently offer cheap 3G-only deals but use EE, who are known for their fast 4G network. We look at when to expect 4G to come to LIFE Mobile.
LIFE Mobile 4G
LIFE Mobile are cheap but don't offer 4G today
✔ LIFE Mobile are owned by EE but don't offer
With deals starting from just £4.95 a month, it's undeniable that LIFE Mobile are cheap. But they do only offer 3G tariffs currently, which is part of the reason they offer some of the lowest priced deals.
LIFE Mobile's 3G network will still load web pages quickly, let you watch videos with some buffering and comfortably stream music. It just won't be quite as fast as a 4G network.
You can read why LIFE Mobile don't currently offer 4G and when we expect them to start offering it (the answer isn't too soon!) below.
But if you're after fast 4G data today, you'll need to look at these cheap 4G alternative providers.
Why LIFE Mobile don't offer 4G
✔ LIFE Mobile are a cheap 3G alternative to 4G providers
If you didn't know, LIFE Mobile are owned entirely by EE. It is a separate brand that lets EE sell cheap SIM only deals without reducing the value of its own deals.
It's likely that EE have deliberately kept LIFE Mobile as 3G-only, as a budget alternative, to avoid competing with itself on price for 4G.
This is common practice in other telecoms like broadband, where BT operate Plusnet as a way of selling non-fibre broadband cheaply without reducing the value of its own premium products and brand.
We don't expect LIFE Mobile to offer 4G for a long time - if ever at all
✔ 4G may never come to LIFE Mobile
EE have invested millions in their 4G network and have previously condemned Three for 'cheapening' 4G by offering at no extra cost.
It would also cost a considerable amount to move LIFE Mobile customers to 4G, as it would involve everyone changing to a new SIM and upgrading the systems the network runs on.
In addition, it's unlikely EE would want to compete with itself on price for 4G mobile products.
For all these reasons, SIM Sherpa does not believe that LIFE Mobile will ever move to 4G. It just wouldn't make sense for their owners.
These alternative providers offer cheap deals and do have 4G:
ID Mobile
✔ 4G deals from £4 a month
✔ Use Three's reliable network
✔ Capped contracts available
giffgaff
✔ 4G deals from £5 a month
✔ Runs on O2's fast network
✔ £5 free credit with SIM Sherpa
Three
✔ 4G deals from £6 a month
✔ Run their own reliable network
✔ Additional perks available
LIFE Mobile's SIM only deals aren't 4G but do still offer good value:
Some quick facts about LIFE Mobile
About LIFE Mobile
✔ Established 2013
✔ Now completely owned by EE
✔ Sell cheap deals on EE's network
Products
✔ 30-day SIM only contracts
✔ Smart Caps to control spend
✔ Upfront payment = lighter credit check?
Network info and benefits
✔ Runs on EE's 3G and 2G network
✔ Fast 3G accross the UK but no 4G
✔ Customer service based in UK
