TPO switching to Three - alternative SIM only

Eitshal · 30-12-2015, 12:21

I'm currently with TPO (The People's Operator) which is an MVNO on the EE network. I pay £14.99 per month for 45,000 minutes, 10,000 texts and 3GB data.

I have just found out that TPO are planning on moving to the Three network in early 2016: http://www.mobilenewscwp.co.uk/2015/...nt-with-three/ - it would have been nice to be informed of this as a customer rather than finding out second-hand!

Three's network doesn't cover the places where I live and work. (Please don't argue with me about Three's network coverage and signal strength - it simply doesn't cover the Scottish islands, where I am spending a lot of time in 2016 for work!)

I don't need anything like this amount of minutes and texts, and 1GB data would be more than sufficient for my usage, so a cheaper package with a smaller allocation would be good.

Can anyone recommend an alternative SIM-only service either directly with a network or with an MVNO? My network operator preferences would be: Vodafone, EE, O2 in that order. Thank you in advance!

packages · 30-12-2015, 12:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eitshal

I'm currently with TPO (The People's Operator) which is an MVNO on the EE network. I pay £14.99 per month for 45,000 minutes, 10,000 texts and 3GB data.

I have just found out that TPO are planning on moving to the Three network in early 2016: http://www.mobilenewscwp.co.uk/2015/...nt-with-three/ - it would have been nice to be informed of this as a customer rather than finding out second-hand!

Three's network doesn't cover the places where I live and work. (Please don't argue with me about Three's network coverage and signal strength - it simply doesn't cover the Scottish islands, where I am spending a lot of time in 2016 for work!)

I don't need anything like this amount of minutes and texts, and 1GB data would be more than sufficient for my usage, so a cheaper package with a smaller allocation would be good.

Can anyone recommend an alternative SIM-only service either directly with a network or with an MVNO? My network operator preferences would be: Vodafone, EE, O2 in that order. Thank you in advance!

Talk Mobile for Vodafone: 1GB with loads of texts/calls £12.50 2GB £15

BT Mobile for EE. 2Gb with 500 mins/Ultd text £14 but its 4G

sdduk · 30-12-2015, 13:15

Have a look at Life mobile it is owned and run by EE so you signal should be the same as TPO
There tariffs are quite good

https://lifemobile.co.uk/

clewsy · 30-12-2015, 13:18

So that will be 49,999 subscribers moving over then. Lol

Thine Wonk · 30-12-2015, 13:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by clewsy

So that will be 49,999 subscribers moving over then. Lol

I'm disappointed that Three want to associate themselves with this company.

SkipTracer · 30-12-2015, 13:41

If you want to say on the EE network try the Delight MVNO with PAYG set to match 3’s 3-2-1 offerings except with no 4G.

http://www.delightmobile.co.uk

clewsy · 30-12-2015, 14:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thine Wonk

I'm disappointed that Three want to associate themselves with this company.

I would assume more willing to take the brass off then. Not many morals in business when money talks and MVNO's contracts don't come up that often.

50,000subs is hardly a massive success though.

beans0ntoast · 30-12-2015, 17:06

I assume that the only areas that will be affected, in terms of coverage, are areas that either have 2G only coverage, or Orange 3G masts that haven't been integrated into MBNL. Generally speaking (though there may be some exceptions), if you can get EE 3G then you'll also get Three 3G (as part of MBNL), except if it is an ex-Orange mast that hasn't been upgraded.

I personally don't see the problem of dropping 2G support. For me, 2G is just a pain as it hinders the performance of some streaming media services, such as Tunein Radio.

Plus, you'll now get 4G on TPO as none of the EE MVNO's are allowed access to 4GEE.

clewsy · 30-12-2015, 17:14

Isn't the 4g on 3 quite limited and much worse than VF and o2?

camer_000 · 30-12-2015, 18:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by beans0ntoast

Plus, you'll now get 4G on TPO as none of the EE MVNO's are allowed access to 4GEE.

Other than BT which (if I remember correctly) has 4G at 30mbps max

Eitshal · 30-12-2015, 19:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by beans0ntoast

I assume that the only areas that will be affected, in terms of coverage, are areas that either have 2G only coverage, or Orange 3G masts that haven't been integrated into MBNL.

This is exactly right - I'm working in an area with 2G only coverage for much of 2016 (and possibly beyond) so unfortunately TPO has to go.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions - leaning strongly towards Talk Mobile right now.

SkipTracer · 31-12-2015, 12:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by clewsy

Isn't the 4g on 3 quite limited and much worse than VF and o2?

It’s all according to where you are as here where I am Voda and o2 are pants for 3G so I assume it’s the same for 4G but 3 is top notch 3G or 4G equalled by EE.

Daughter just got a new o2 4G phone yesterday so I will know for sure soon if their 4G data here is an improvement over their dismal 3G.

clewsy · 31-12-2015, 13:08

That's very true and totally agree as its clear what network works for one, doesn't for others. There are so many areas where the networks are rubbish - they have some real work to do if they want 100% coverage.

Minardi · 31-12-2015, 13:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eitshal

This is exactly right - I'm working in an area with 2G only coverage for much of 2016 (and possibly beyond) so unfortunately TPO has to go.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions - leaning strongly towards Talk Mobile right now.

Would suggest EE will have more 3G coverage on the islands, based on my trip up there in the summer, but it isn't quick. About 1Meg each way, which given where you are ain't bad. It was perfectly useable for web browsing and emailing. I could keep up with my business back home. Would suggest having a look at the coverage maps and balancing up what you need.

finbaar · 01-01-2016, 10:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by clewsy

I would assume more willing to take the brass off then. Not many morals in business when money talks and MVNO's contracts don't come up that often.

50,000subs is hardly a massive success though.

What could be more moral than their support for the Labour Party and trade unions like Unite and the GMB? I'm actually a bit gutted as I will have to leave TPO now as I need my second sim to be on EE.

biggy7 · 01-01-2016, 10:25

How about http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2124571

Works out to be £9.99 per month after cash back plus a little back from quidco

Ikegami · 01-01-2016, 12:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by biggy7

How about http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2124571

Works out to be £9.99 per month after cash back plus a little back from quidco

I went for that a couple of months back. The lower allowance option, 2000 minutes, 2GB, works out at £7.99/month after cashback.

If you don't fancy the "cashback by redemption", the £40 auto cashback option works out about £13.50/month.

30-12-2015, 12:21	#1
Eitshal Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 253	TPO switching to Three - alternative SIM only I'm currently with TPO (The People's Operator) which is an MVNO on the EE network. I pay £14.99 per month for 45,000 minutes, 10,000 texts and 3GB data. I have just found out that TPO are planning on moving to the Three network in early 2016: http://www.mobilenewscwp.co.uk/2015/...nt-with-three/ - it would have been nice to be informed of this as a customer rather than finding out second-hand! Three's network doesn't cover the places where I live and work. (Please don't argue with me about Three's network coverage and signal strength - it simply doesn't cover the Scottish islands, where I am spending a lot of time in 2016 for work!) I don't need anything like this amount of minutes and texts, and 1GB data would be more than sufficient for my usage, so a cheaper package with a smaller allocation would be good. Can anyone recommend an alternative SIM-only service either directly with a network or with an MVNO? My network operator preferences would be: Vodafone, EE, O2 in that order. Thank you in advance!

30-12-2015, 12:52	#2
packages Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 879	Quote: Originally Posted by Eitshal I'm currently with TPO (The People's Operator) which is an MVNO on the EE network. I pay £14.99 per month for 45,000 minutes, 10,000 texts and 3GB data. I have just found out that TPO are planning on moving to the Three network in early 2016: http://www.mobilenewscwp.co.uk/2015/...nt-with-three/ - it would have been nice to be informed of this as a customer rather than finding out second-hand! Three's network doesn't cover the places where I live and work. (Please don't argue with me about Three's network coverage and signal strength - it simply doesn't cover the Scottish islands, where I am spending a lot of time in 2016 for work!) I don't need anything like this amount of minutes and texts, and 1GB data would be more than sufficient for my usage, so a cheaper package with a smaller allocation would be good. Can anyone recommend an alternative SIM-only service either directly with a network or with an MVNO? My network operator preferences would be: Vodafone, EE, O2 in that order. Thank you in advance! Talk Mobile for Vodafone: 1GB with loads of texts/calls £12.50 2GB £15 BT Mobile for EE. 2Gb with 500 mins/Ultd text £14 but its 4G

30-12-2015, 13:15	#3
sdduk Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 216	Have a look at Life mobile it is owned and run by EE so you signal should be the same as TPO There tariffs are quite good https://lifemobile.co.uk/

30-12-2015, 13:18	#4
clewsy Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Midlands Posts: 2,860	So that will be 49,999 subscribers moving over then. Lol

30-12-2015, 13:31	#5
Thine Wonk Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 14,577	Quote: Originally Posted by clewsy So that will be 49,999 subscribers moving over then. Lol I'm disappointed that Three want to associate themselves with this company.

30-12-2015, 13:41	#6
SkipTracer Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: The City and County of Bristol Posts: 2,623	If you want to say on the EE network try the Delight MVNO with PAYG set to match 3’s 3-2-1 offerings except with no 4G. http://www.delightmobile.co.uk

30-12-2015, 14:02	#7
clewsy Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Midlands Posts: 2,860	Quote: Originally Posted by Thine Wonk I'm disappointed that Three want to associate themselves with this company. I would assume more willing to take the brass off then. Not many morals in business when money talks and MVNO's contracts don't come up that often. 50,000subs is hardly a massive success though.

30-12-2015, 17:06	#8
beans0ntoast Inactive Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 932	I assume that the only areas that will be affected, in terms of coverage, are areas that either have 2G only coverage, or Orange 3G masts that haven't been integrated into MBNL. Generally speaking (though there may be some exceptions), if you can get EE 3G then you'll also get Three 3G (as part of MBNL), except if it is an ex-Orange mast that hasn't been upgraded. I personally don't see the problem of dropping 2G support. For me, 2G is just a pain as it hinders the performance of some streaming media services, such as Tunein Radio. Plus, you'll now get 4G on TPO as none of the EE MVNO's are allowed access to 4GEE.

30-12-2015, 17:14	#9
clewsy Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Midlands Posts: 2,860	Isn't the 4g on 3 quite limited and much worse than VF and o2?

30-12-2015, 18:58	#10
camer_000 Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 75	Quote: Originally Posted by beans0ntoast Plus, you'll now get 4G on TPO as none of the EE MVNO's are allowed access to 4GEE. Other than BT which (if I remember correctly) has 4G at 30mbps max

30-12-2015, 19:10	#11
Eitshal Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 253	Quote: Originally Posted by beans0ntoast I assume that the only areas that will be affected, in terms of coverage, are areas that either have 2G only coverage, or Orange 3G masts that haven't been integrated into MBNL. This is exactly right - I'm working in an area with 2G only coverage for much of 2016 (and possibly beyond) so unfortunately TPO has to go. Thanks everyone for your suggestions - leaning strongly towards Talk Mobile right now.

31-12-2015, 12:25	#12
SkipTracer Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: The City and County of Bristol Posts: 2,623	Quote: Originally Posted by clewsy Isn't the 4g on 3 quite limited and much worse than VF and o2? It’s all according to where you are as here where I am Voda and o2 are pants for 3G so I assume it’s the same for 4G but 3 is top notch 3G or 4G equalled by EE. Daughter just got a new o2 4G phone yesterday so I will know for sure soon if their 4G data here is an improvement over their dismal 3G.

31-12-2015, 13:08	#13
clewsy Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Midlands Posts: 2,860	That's very true and totally agree as its clear what network works for one, doesn't for others. There are so many areas where the networks are rubbish - they have some real work to do if they want 100% coverage.

31-12-2015, 13:15	#14
Minardi Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Midlands Posts: 502	Quote: Originally Posted by Eitshal This is exactly right - I'm working in an area with 2G only coverage for much of 2016 (and possibly beyond) so unfortunately TPO has to go. Thanks everyone for your suggestions - leaning strongly towards Talk Mobile right now. Would suggest EE will have more 3G coverage on the islands, based on my trip up there in the summer, but it isn't quick. About 1Meg each way, which given where you are ain't bad. It was perfectly useable for web browsing and emailing. I could keep up with my business back home. Would suggest having a look at the coverage maps and balancing up what you need.

01-01-2016, 10:10	#15
finbaar Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 3,921	Quote: Originally Posted by clewsy I would assume more willing to take the brass off then. Not many morals in business when money talks and MVNO's contracts don't come up that often. 50,000subs is hardly a massive success though. What could be more moral than their support for the Labour Party and trade unions like Unite and the GMB? I'm actually a bit gutted as I will have to leave TPO now as I need my second sim to be on EE.

01-01-2016, 10:25	#16
biggy7 Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Posts: 96	How about http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2124571 Works out to be £9.99 per month after cash back plus a little back from quidco

01-01-2016, 12:33	#17
Ikegami Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 16	Quote: Originally Posted by biggy7 How about http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2124571 Works out to be £9.99 per month after cash back plus a little back from quidco I went for that a couple of months back. The lower allowance option, 2000 minutes, 2GB, works out at £7.99/month after cashback. If you don't fancy the "cashback by redemption", the £40 auto cashback option works out about £13.50/month.

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TPO switching to Three - alternative SIM only