The mobile operator that matters
Here’s how it works. You get some of the best mobile rates and great UK coverage. You can even talk and text with anyone else on the TPO network for free (make sure you check our
terms for fair usage policy).
Here’s the bit that matters. We’re different because 25% of the profits are given away to great causes through our new TPO Foundation.
Even better, you can direct TPO to give 10% (after VAT) of your monthly spend on calls, texts and data to a cause of your choice. You can choose the cause you would like to support when you join The People’s Operator. (Full
terms). Whether that’s your local youth club, community group or animal shelter. No cause is too big or too small.
It’s really as simple as that. Just by switching network and using your mobile phone as usual, you can make a difference.
We're a Pay As You Go network for now. But make the change today as we will be launching great monthly deals and SIM-card-only deals very early next year.
Click
Get SIM to get started.
At The People’s Operator, we think it should be possible to make a difference whilst getting a great mobile service. People lead busy lives, so we we set-up a mobile operator whose members can help make that difference, whilst doing what they already do – using their mobiles.
Our vision is to support people in need, help children, fight illnesses and build local communities. The best way to do this is to work with the causes that confront these issues and ensure that they receive the financial support they need.
That’s why we set up The People’s Operator. 25% of our profits are given away, so you know you are making a difference every time you use your phone.
The People’s Operator has been embraced by a number of organisations, local communities and charities that share our values and commitment. We're delighted to lend our support to groups of all sizes, from local community centres to national charities. Today our partners include organisations such as NSPCC, Trinity Hospice, Dimbleby Cancer Care and Childline.
A few quotes from our partners:
"Trinity Business partnerships are vital in enabling us to provide skilled end of life care, free of charge, to over 2,000 people in the local community. Without the support of fresh, innovative companies such as TPO this would not be possible."
Rose Tyler, Trinity Hospice
“The Trussell Trust looks forward to working with TPO to reduce the number of U.K. citizens in food poverty.”
Mark Ward, Funding Team Manager, Trussell Trust
“ It is reassuring to know that companies such as The People's Operator have a passion to invest in charities such as ourselves so that we in turn can support the most vulnerable members of our community to lead rewarding and fulfilling lives. Thank you The People's Operator!”
Colin Adams MBE at Hanley Crouch Community Centre
Strategic Partners
If you are part of an organisation that has a number of members who you think would switch to the TPO network, then you can become a Strategic Partner and receive 10% their monthly phone usage.
A charity, cause or community group can become a Strategic Partner simply by getting in touch with us at partnerships@thepeoplesoperator.com or via
Contact Us and registering their details with us. We will verify their credentials and enrol them within five days.
The eligibility criteria for becoming a TPO Strategic Partner are as follows -
If you are a Charity
- Must be registered charity in existence for at least 6 months
- Must be able to provide named contact
If you are a Community Group
- Must be able to provide contact
- Must have been in existence 6 months
- Group must have 5 nominees
- Group must have a constitution
- Group must have a separate bank account
Joining the 25% TPO Foundation fund
We also provide financial support for good causes through the TPO Foundation, which distributes 25% of The People’s Operator profits.
As an organisation you can apply to become part of the 25% fund by enrolling in the TPO Foundation. Simply get in touch at partnerships@thepeoplesoperator.com or via
Contact Us and we will take your details and verify your inclusion.
Because we believe that it's people that count, we built a company to provide a great mobile service and support good causes while we're at it. From the people who pack your SIM cards to those who receive help from our partners, not to mention every member who has signed up to make a difference - The People’s Operator is created for people not profit. Our team are all dedicated to making a difference.
“We believe that The People’s Operator is the future of enterprise. Not only do we care about corporate social responsibility, but it is central to our business proposition.”
Alex Franks, CEO, The People’s Operator
“I was fascinated by the idea of The People’s Operator from day one. The main reason I joined is because of the chance to harness everyday digital activity for good causes. For me, the best career move I could make is to work for a company that has a greater responsibility towards social issues.”
Luigi Bastanzio, Digital Marketing Manager, The People’s Operator
“My greatest ambition has always been to find a workplace that would be able to make a difference through its business operations. I am proud to be part of a company that proves things can be done differently from the mainstream players, and do some good without requiring any change in people’s habits.”
Sam Tillotson, Operations Director, The People’s Operator
The TPO Foundation is a transparent and independent legal entity run by trustees. It has been set up to award funds to organisations, local communities and charities that are trying to make a positive difference to people’s lives.
The TPO Foundation is chaired by Sir Christopher Kelly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to the questions people ask most.
Getting Started
If you have any questions about how to get started with us, you might find answers in this section. Otherwise, please feel free to Contact Us.
I've received my SIM, how do I activate it?
Just visit our Activate SIM section and we'll take you through the easy process.
Can I keep my current phone number?
Yes, you can. Just follow the steps below.
1. Ask your existing network provider for your ‘PAC’ Code
2. Let us know by calling TPO Customer Services on 0845 225 2505. Alternatively, you can also put your new TPO SIM into your handset and dial ‘500’ to talk directly to our team.
3. Transfers take around 5 working days. In the meantime, you can use the number that comes with your new SIM
How do I unlock my handset?
If you’ve purchased your handset from another provider you may need to unlock it to get your TPO SIM working.
Mobile Unlocked
To make it easy for you, we’ve partnered with Mobile Unlocked. If you’re looking for an easy and inexpensive way to unlock your phone, as a TPO customer you’ll receive a £3.60 discount for any device they unlock. Simply
click here and the discount will be applied automatically to your order.
You can also contact your current provider:
Vodafone
191 from your Vodafone phone
From a different device:
Pay As You Go: 08700 776 655
Pay Monthly: 08700 700 191
T-Mobile
0845 412 5000 or 150 from your T-Mobile phone
Orange
Pay As You Go: 07973 100 450 or 450 from your Orange phone
Pay Monthly: 0797 310 0150 or 150 from your Orange phone
O2
Pay Monthly: 0844 809 0202 or 202 from your O2 phone
Pay As You Go: 0844 809 0222 or 4445 from your O2 phone
Three
08433 733 333 or 333 from your Three mobile
Virgin Mobile
0845 6000 789 or 789 from your Virgin Mobile phone
Tesco Mobile
0845 301 4455 or 4455 from your Tesco Mobile
How does TPO voicemail work?
All our customers get voicemail as standard:
1. Simply call ‘555’ to access your voicemail
2. Use the menu to record your personal greeting or just stick with the default greeting
3. Don’t forget to set up a voicemail PIN before going abroad
Network settings & General support
For help with your settings, read our questions and answers below, or get in touch with Customer Services on 0845 225 2505.
What network coverage does TPO have?
We're on the biggest 3G network provider in the UK. So you get the same coverage as Orange and T-Mobile, over 98% of the UK.
How do I set up Internet and MMS settings?
For internet and MMS settings, click Get Settings and follow the step-by-step instructions to have your settings sent to your handset.
Alternatively, access the MMS settings section in your mobile and enter the following manually:
MMS APN: tslmms
MMS Username: [leave blank]
MMS Password: [leave blank]
MMS Proxy: 193.35.133.194
MMS port: 8080
MMS URL: http://mms
Then find your internet settings section and enter the following manually:
Pay As You Go customers
Internet APN: tslpaygnet
[leave all other settings as default]
Pay Monthly customers
Internet APN: tslpaymnet
[leave all other settings as default]
Should you have any problem, please get in touch with our customer services on 0845 225 2505.
My phone is lost or stolen. How can I block my TPO SIM?
Get in touch with customer service at 0845 225 2505 and we’ll be happy to help. Don’t forget if you have an insurance claim to log a report with the police.
Can you replace my SIM card if it is lost or stolen?
Our customer service will be able to provide the necessary support. Please get in touch on 0845 225 2505.
Pay Monthly Sign Up
If you have any questions about signing up to Pay Monthly, you might find answers in this section. Otherwise, please feel free to Contact Us.
How do I sign up for TPO Pay Monthly?
You can sign up online or by phoning up customer care on 0845 225 2505 to take you through the process.
What information will you need?
We need your name and address to send you a SIM. We ask you for your date of birth to use for security purposes when contacting customer care. We ask for your bank details to set up your direct debits and your debit/credit card to make an initial payment.
Do I need to go through a credit check?
No, we use your details to run an ID check rather than credit check so we can match your name, address and bank details to protect identities and prevent fraudulent activity.
Pay Monthly Billing
If you have any questions about Pay Monthly billing, you might find answers in this section. Otherwise, please feel free to Contact Us.
Why am I asked for both my bank details and a debit/credit card during sign up?
You’re asked to pay for your first month’s bundle usage in advance prior to receiving your SIM card. Future monthly bundles will be deducted from your bank account by Direct Debit.
When will I receive my first bill?
Your bill will be available at the start of each month and we will take payment on, or shortly after, 10 working days.
What charges should I expect on my bill?
Your first bill will contain the charge for your next month’s bundle, any out of bundle charges you may have incurred, including; roaming charges, minutes, texts and data outside of your data allowance.
How do I view my bill?
Your bill will be sent via email at the start of each month. You can view your recent charges and past bills by logging onto
My Account with the email and password you used when you signed up.
How do I change my package?
After a month of membership, you can request your package to be changed on a monthly basis by calling customer care.
Do you have a full list of call charges and international rates?
Yes, for more information on call charges and roaming rates for Pay Monthly,
click here
Pay As You Go
If you have any questions about our Pay As You Go service, you might find answers in this section. Otherwise, please feel free to Contact Us.
How do I get a free Pay As You Go SIM?
Just go through our quick online process and we'll send you a free SIM in the post. Get started on our
Pay As You Go deals page
How do I top-up?
The quickest way to top up is online on our Top Up page. You can also top up
your SIM in 39,000 convenience stores, off-licences and supermarkets across the country. Just look out for the Payzone and Paypoint logos.
Once you have purchased your top-up voucher there are three ways to credit your balance:
1) By USSD: enter *125*, then the 12 digit voucher code, followed by # (e.g. *125*123456789012#).
2) By SMS: text TOPUP, leave a space and then enter the 12 digit top-up voucher code to 1250.
3) By Call: dial 1250 and follow the voice prompts
Can I top up while I’m abroad?
Yes. Outside the UK, you'll need to top-up by going online to our
Top Up page.
Do you have a full list of call charges and international rates?
Yes, for more information on call charges and roaming rates for Pay As You Go,
click here