MOBILE network EE has announced a new "smart number" scheme that lets you use the same phone number across multiple devices.

It means you can make and receive calls across your tablets, smartwatches and laptops using the same phone number – even if you don't have your phone with you.

Normally if you want to make phone calls on a tablet, you'd need a SIM card with its own unique phone number installed.

But EE has made it possible for customers (at no extra cost) to share a single phone number across multiple devices.

That means you'll be able to make phone calls on your smartphone and tablet at the same time, from the exact same phone number.

Better still, you don't even need your smartphone with you for the scheme to work.

You'll be able to use an iPad, for instance, to receive calls and messages when you're out and about, while leaving your handset at home to charge.

And if your smartphone dies, you could turn to a tablet or smartwatch to chat with friends – which could be a major boon for festivals or camping trips.

EE has also added hand-off technology to the "smart number" system.

This lets you hand off a phone call from your iPad to your iPhone with the press of a button. So if you need to leave the house, you can quickly switch call devices and carry on your chat uninterrupted.

"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," said EE's Max Taylor.

"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."

The service works using Wi-Fi Calling, which lets you make calls or send messages over the internet – that includes both Wi-Fi and mobile networks.

You can extend your phone number to five other connected devices, and while the primary device needs to be on EE, the others don't.

Of course, if you're using your EE network to make phone calls or send texts, you'll still use up your monthly allowances regardless of which device you use.

The service is available for free to new and existing pay-monthly EE customers, and there's no requirement to upgrade.

Initially, it's only available on a selection of Apple devices, but EE has promised that it'll work on Android devices eventually, too.