Fully charged: The new scheme will let EE customers pick up free portable chargers . The UK’s biggest mobile network has announced details of a scheme to help customers keep their mobile phones charged. EE shops are planning to give away free portable chargers so that people can revive their phones wherever they are. Once the EE ‘power bar’ runs down, customers will be able to swap it for a new one at any EE shop, or spend four hours charging it up themselves at home. The chargers will be free to EE customers, and other smartphone owners can also sign up to the service if they pay a £20 fee. EE said that battery-draining video streaming and social media site browsing now accounted for more than 50 per cent of all data use on their network. Its research found that almost 60 per cent of smartphone users found their battery would not last a full day. And over half said they wish there were more ways to charge their phone in public places – rising to over 70 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds. The firm’s marketing officer, Pippa Dunn, said: ‘Almost everyone’s experienced the frustration associated with running out of battery, it seems to happen when you need your phone the most. ‘We’re giving customers a power bar that can be swapped for a fully charged one at any of our stores, at any time, for free.’ Powered up: EE customers will able to pick up free portable chargers from shops to stop their phones from running out of battery .
EE shops will stock free chargers so people can revive phones while out .
Other smartphone users can sign up to service for £20 .
Comes after research found 60% customers said battery won't last a day .