Sources have informed ISPreview that broadband ISP EE (BT) appears to have started inviting customers, specifically only those on one of their Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) products, to take part in a new “Hub Enhancement Trial“. This is testing “new technology that’s designed to provide a coverage boost/enhanced Wi-Fi experience in the home“.
The trial will involve “new equipment“, which will be sent to successful applicants free of charge. The mobile and internet provider has also pledged to cover the cost of your bill for the duration of the trial. The trial itself is currently expected to run for approximately 6 months.
The fact that new equipment will be involved makes us think that this is highly likely to be EE’s new Qualcomm-powered and Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be – Extremely High Throughput) capable home broadband router (see prototype – pictured above), which is currently still expected to launch sometime this year (here).
On the other hand, it could also reflect a new Wi-Fi 7 based mesh/repeater system, which might accompany the new router. The launch of a customer trial tends to indicate that the hardware is in its final beta testing stages before a full commercial launch. EE are expected to launch their future Wi-Fi 7 kit alongside a new premium broadband package.