Disabled access
As our aim is "to share the power of connectivity with everyone in the UK", we need to ensure that the products and services we offer are accessible to as many people as possible. There are approximately 10 million people in the UK with some form of disability - 18% of the population. These people often need additional support or customized products so that they can get the most out of what we offer.
We know we have more work to do in this area and we're committed to doing more. We started with an awareness program for our retail teams and customers, covering different disabilities and the products and services we can offer to accommodate them. We are planning other activities, including providing information online to help customers with disabilities find the right device for them.
We currently stock a number of affordable devices. We will try to increase the number of accessible devices and improve the information we provide about the right phone for certain accessibility needs. Finally, we have a dedicated space in our Digital Experience section called Digital for All, which contains specific information for customers with accessibility needs.
Better Britain
Our accountability approach, which we call 'Better Britain', is to build trust by supporting individuals and communities. First, by working to improve people's digital skills and helping them stay connected and using our scale as one of the largest and most successful companies in the country to drive youth employment.
Reducing our impact
As part of BT, our aim is to make a better world by reducing the impact of our business. We have set a goal of becoming a net zero carbon business by 2045 and we are making good progress – since 2016 we have already reduced our carbon emissions by 57%.
Going green
Today, EE is powered by 100% renewable electricity, which includes everything from our mobile and broadband networks to our 575+ high street stores. By 2030, we plan to move the majority of the 33,000 vehicles in our fleet to electric or zero-emission models. We are not stopping there, looking for new and innovative ways to further reduce our cabon footprint, such as reducing the carbon intensity of our buildings.
Get a free annual device MOT
We know how important your phone is to you, which is why we are committed to ensuring that the phone you buy from us remains in top condition. Every year, we'll ensure your device continues to perform at its best with a free annual MOT device. We'll do a full health check on your device with a clean and polished diagnostic tool, as well as a check on any apps that might help you get the most out of your phone. We'll then send you a full-service report that will include recommendations on how to keep your phone running smoothly. If your phone needs repair, we offer same-day or next-day repairs at many of our stores.
Reducing our own waste
Since 2015, all EE contact centers and offices have not sent any waste to landfill with a renewed focus on reducing our general waste, recycled or otherwise. By 2025, 100% of the plastic packaging we use will be reusable, recyclable, compostable, or completely removed. For example, since 2016, we've reduced the packaging of our 4GEE Mobile WiFi devices by 27% and continue to look for opportunities to go further. Together with our BT customers, we also refurbished and recycled over 900,000 broadband hubs and TV boxes in 2020, saving 168 tonnes of electrical waste. This is equivalent to 14 double-decker buses.