EE has become the first UK operator to deploy ‘smart number technology’ which allows customers to make and receive calls across their tablets, watches and laptops using one phone number.
Available at no extra cost to new and existing customers, this service means EE users can still be contacted even when their phone battery goes dead or when they forget to take their phone with them.
The service works using Wi-Fi Calling and customers can extend their phone number to five other connected devices which are internet connected with either Wi-Fi or mobile connectivity.
While the primary device needs to be on EE, the other devices do not need to be. If they are made or received on a device with access to EE’s network, the calls will be taken out of their voice allowance.
Initially available for Apple devices including iPhones, iPads, MacBooks and the Apple Watch, EE says it’s developing the functionality for Android devices and will announce more details “in due course.”
Customers will need to be on a EE pay monthly plan on their smartphone and have iOS 11.3 on an iPhone 6 or later. Paired iPads will need to be on iOS 10 (or later) and OS X El Capitan or later is required for Macs.
Max Taylor, Managing Director of Marketing, EE “We’ve made it our mission to give our customers amazing new technologies that make the most of our award-winning network to help keep them connected, wherever they go and whatever they want to do.
“Our new smart number technology is a great example of how we’re helping customers to seamlessly connect their favourite devices – whether on laptops, tablets or smartwatches, even if they’re away from their smartphone.”
Compatible devices
| Device | Software | Type |
| iPhone 6 / 6plus / 6S / 6Splus | iOS 11.3 and later | Primary |
| iPhone SE | ||
| iPhone 7 / 7plus | ||
| iPhone 8 / 8plus | ||
| iPhone X | ||
| iPad Air / Air 2 | iOS 10 and later. Recommend is iOS 11 and later for best experience | Paired |
| iPad mini 2 / 3 / 4 | ||
| iPad 4 | ||
| iPad Pro (2016 onwards) | ||
| iPad 2017 | ||
| iPod Touch 2017 / 5th Gen / 6th Gen | iOS10 or later | |
| Macbook Air (2012 and later) | OSX El Capitan or later | |
| Macbook Pro (2012 and later) | ||
| iMac (late 2012 and later) | ||
| Mac Mini (late 2012 and later) | ||
| Mac Pro (late 2013 and later) | ||
| iMac Pro | ||
| Apple Watch 1 / 2 / 3 | WatchOS2 or later |