TPO Mobile (The People's Operator) Cell Phone Coverage Reviews
Overview
TPO Mobile, also known as The People's Operator, was a UK-based and US-based Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) that aimed to provide affordable cell phone service while donating a portion of profits to charity. TPO Mobile operated by leasing network infrastructure from established carriers, providing service at a lower cost while supporting social causes.
Coverage Map
As an MVNO, TPO Mobile relied on the infrastructure of major carriers in both the UK and the US, allowing it to provide widespread coverage without owning any cell towers itself.
Key Coverage Areas:
- United Kingdom: TPO Mobile used the EE network, providing extensive coverage throughout the UK, including both urban and rural areas.
- United States: In the US, TPO partnered with T-Mobile and Sprint (now part of T-Mobile), offering coverage comparable to those carriers.
Network Performance
TPO Mobile's performance depended entirely on the underlying carrier network, and coverage quality was identical to that of the partner carrier.
Performance Highlights:
- Signal Strength: Users experienced signal strength comparable to EE in the UK and T-Mobile in the US, with strong performance in urban areas.
- Speed: Data speeds depended on the carrier, with generally good 4G LTE access, especially in urban areas.
- Call Quality: Voice calls were reported to be clear, with limited dropped calls depending on location.
Customer Reviews
Customer feedback on TPO Mobile was a mix of praise for their mission and affordability, as well as criticism of network reliability and customer service.
Positive Feedback:
- Social Contribution: Customers appreciated the idea of supporting charities through their mobile plan, with TPO donating a portion of its revenue to causes chosen by users.
- Affordable Plans: TPO offered competitive pricing compared to larger carriers, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users.
- Coverage: Coverage quality was acceptable, given that it used established carrier networks.
Areas for Improvement:
- Customer Support: Many users reported challenges with customer service, including slow response times and difficulty resolving issues.
- Network Reliability: As an MVNO, there were occasional issues related to lower priority on the network, resulting in reduced speeds or connectivity in times of high congestion.
Comparison with Competitors
TPO Mobile competed with other MVNOs by offering a charitable twist, which set it apart from the competition.
- Coverage: Comparable to other MVNOs using the same major networks (EE in the UK, T-Mobile/Sprint in the US).
- Price: Competitive pricing, on par with other low-cost MVNOs like Giffgaff in the UK or Mint Mobile in the US.
- Social Mission: The focus on charity was unique, attracting users who valued giving back through their mobile service.
Conclusion
TPO Mobile was an interesting option for customers looking for affordable mobile service while contributing to charitable causes. The coverage quality depended on the underlying carrier, which was reliable, but the company struggled with customer service and eventually ceased operations in 2019. The concept of combining philanthropy with mobile service was unique, but competition in the MVNO space and operational challenges led to its discontinuation.