The People’s Operator mobile network goes bust leaving 15,000 customers unable to text, call or use internet
THOUSANDS of customers of mobile network The People's Operator (TPO) will be left unable to call and text as the provider has gone into administration.
The network appointed Duff and Phelps as an administrator on February 13 and will close down on February 26.
From this date, the firm's 15,000 users will no longer be able to make calls or texts or use the internet.
You also need to get hold of your PAC number from the firm before this date if you want to transfer your mobile number to another provider - you can contact the firm using its online web chat facility.
The company sold 30-day Sim-only and tablet plans ranging in price from £3.49 a month to £19.99 a month. It also sold pay-as-you-go (PAYG) tariffs and a handful of handsets.
If your contract is scheduled to automatically renew before February 26, TPO says it will allow your service to continue as normal until February 26 without charge.
Those who have unused days left on their plan when the provider shuts will have to submit a claim to Duff and Phelps as an unsecured creditor.
Again, if you don't use up your credit before February 26, you'll have to submit a claim as a creditor.
Creditors are often just one in a long line of people owed cash when a firm goes under and there's no guarantee you'll get anything back.
TPO says all customers should receive an email or a letter with full details about the administration by February 18.
But affected customers can get one-month free with mobile provider SMARTY, which piggybacks of the Three network, and offers plans starting from £6.25 a month.
To get this offer you'll need to use your TPO Sim, request a PAC, and transfer over before February 26.
TPO launched in 2012 with the goal of giving a quarter of its profits to charity and allowed customers to donate 10 per cent of their bill to a good cause of their choice.
But it's been unable to compete with the major players in the industry.
Benjamin Wiles, joint administrator, said: “We have been working with the directors of the company to identify potentially interested parties with a view to protecting the position of creditors.
"But this is a mature industry sector facing intense price competition, customer churn, and high expectations when it comes to customer service.
"As a result the company has faced a funding crisis which in turn, has led to the adminsitration.”
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