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'The People's' cell operator to offer expensive data - but it's for cheridee

Can't be bothered having a phone and making donations?

A new mobile phone network in the UK will give a quarter of its profits to charity.

The People's Operator, which piggybacks on EE's network, hopes giving cash to good causes will attract customers, who can also direct 10 per cent of their bills to charities of their choice. It's offering rates roughly 20 per cent higher than GiffGaff - the other people's network - but a chunk of that extra dosh goes to something worthy.

The new virtual network operator, which has launched as a SIM-only pay-as-you-go service, claims it will eventually offer contracts and handsets.

However, there are other feel-good virtual operators camping on EE's infrastructure: there's RSPCA Mobile for animal lovers, C Mobile which gives a fifth of its profits to local renewable-energy projects, and if you really fancy owning your telco then sign up to the Co-Op.

The People's Operator (TPO) is funded by its founders, who have a few quid knocking about, and is using MVNO gateway Transatel to speed integration with EE's systems. Last week TPO told us that would include 4G services, but with data priced at 12.5 pence per megabyte - or £17.50 for a 500MB bundle - that may not be a good idea. Calls and texts between TPO's users are free.

But if you fall into the demographic that doesn't use much data, wants support from Londoners, and likes to give a tenth of your mobile bill to charities, then TPO could be the best choice, or you could just go with GiffGaff and give to your preferred charity directly and get some bundled data too. ®

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