The ethical phone network allows consumers to choose which cause will receive 10% of their bill, whether it’s to a community group, shelter, or other cause.
The People’s operator (TPO) also gives 25% of its overall profits away to causes through its TPO foundation.
"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," said the company on its site.
The Pay as you go network functions off of EE’s network. Plans will be available in early December 2012 with plans offering 200 minutes per month for £12.50, 500 texts for £10.00 and 500 MB for £17.50. Texts and calls between TPO users are free.
The network is also likely to offer 4G service in the long run.
"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," said Alex Franks, TPO’s CEO.
Fred Huet, managing director for Greenwich consulting, says the new network is a great alternative to UK consumers.
"The launch of The People’s Operator is encouraging for the UK mobile landscape," Huet said. "In such a competitive and overcrowded market, a key point of differentiation is crucial and TPO’s ethical foundation offers a refreshing alternative for mobile users today. With mobile services and devices today becoming increasingly commoditised, TPO have demonstrated a unique approach to stand apart from the competition."
"Mobile users are unlikely to change operators en masse solely for a good cause and an array of benefits and attractive deals will be required in order to win over the hearts and minds of the UK consumer," he added. "But in this instance their likely success will very much depend on how strong their channel and distribution strategy is, along with all proposed partnerships."
This mobile virtual network operator isn’t the first network to base its business on ethical standing .C Mobile, which also operators off the EE network, dedicates a fifth of its profits to renewable energy initiatives.
