BT and EE team up to offer new “unbreakable” Halo 3+ Wi-Fi
A new Hybrid Connect device will give customers access to the best of both networks
BT has announced a new broadband package, BT Halo 3+, teaming up with mobile network and BT Group member EE to bring an “unbreakable” Wi-Fi connection into homes.
Available from 5 February, BT Halo 3+ will introduce the Hybrid Connect: a new device that will connect you to EE’s mobile network when your Wi-Fi goes down a backup connection is needed.
Christian Thrane, Managing Director of Marketing at BT’s Consumer Division, called the new service “a first of its kind in the UK”. He said: “We are combining the best fibre home broadband and Wi-Fi technology, backed up with our award-winning EE mobile network to become the only UK provider that offers customers an unbreakable Wi-Fi connection in the home.”
According to reports from Ofcom and RootMetrics, BT provides the most reliable broadband service in the UK (in our own review, we highly commended BT broadband for its reliability), while EE is the most reliable mobile network. BT Halo 3+ aims to offer customers the best of both networks in one fast and reliable broadband package.
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What is Hybrid Connect, and how does it work?
The new Hybrid Connect device is compatible with BT’s Smart Hub 2 and BT Complete Wi-Fi. It works by automatically connecting to the EE mobile network if Wi-Fi connection is lost, and switches back when connection is restored, with minimal interruption.
The device is always on and works straight out of the box, allowing new BT customers to get connected right away.
What else is included in the new package?
Included with BT Halo 3+ package is BT’s Smart Hub 2 and Complete Wi-Fi, with an upgrade to Full Fibre at no extra cost plus free support from BT’s Home Tech Experts. BT promises this upgrade as soon as it becomes available for those areas that do not yet have access to Full Fibre.
In addition, current BT Mobile customers can enjoy additional benefits including a free double data boost, while EE is offering six months half price on a new Smart plan.
How much will it cost?
BT Halo 3+ will be available to new customers from £66/mth, while existing BT customers are encouraged to contact BT for the best offers and deals available. The BT Halo Price Promise ensures that existing customers need not worry about out-of-contract price rises, and that they will never pay more than a new customer.
Alternatively, the Hybrid Connect device is available as an add-on for £7/mth.
For more information, see BT’s website.