Get The People's Operator PAC code to keep number & switch to Tesco Mobile network

Keep my The People's Operator number

How to get a PAC code from The People's Operator & transfer my number to Tesco Mobile

Note: TPO Mobile ceased operating on February 26 2019 and transferring your number from them is no longer possible. These instructions are from before when the service was still available.

To request your PAC (Port Authorisation Code), contact The People's Operator customer service team on 500 from your TPO mobile or 0333 313 7760 from any other phone.

If you wish to use the 'text-to-switch' service, simply SMS text PAC to 65075 free from your The People's Operator SIM to get your The People's Operator PAC code by text message and begin the porting process.

  • The People's Operator will provide your PAC code (Porting Authorisation Code) either by SMS text message, email, over the phone if you contact them directly, or through an online The People's Operator login.
  • A PAC number is valid for 30 days. If you don't use it within thirty days it will expire and you will need to request a new one.
  • Your The People's Operator account will remain active until your number has been ported over to your new Tesco Mobile network. After the transfer is complete, your old The People's Operator account will be automatically closed.

While you wait to get your The People's Operator PAC code, find the best Tesco Mobile online offer for you. Many of these exclusive mobile phone & SIM only deals are only available online, directly from the network providers listed here.

Got your The People's Operator PAC code?

Provide your PAC code from The People's Operator to Tesco Mobile who will then be able to port your existing The People's Operator number. They will tell you what day the transfer is due to take place (usually within 48 hours).

Important: Do NOT cancel your SIM only or mobile contract before switching, otherwise you may lose your current phone number and be unable to port it over. Once you give Tesco Mobile your The People's Operator PAC code, your old The People's Operator billing account will be closed automatically when your mobile phone number is successfully ported over.

Note: Topup credit on Pre-Pay / PAYG (Pay-As-You-Go) accounts cannot be transferred over and so any remaining credit balance or bundles will be lost after the switch is complete. If you have any top-up credit left, one good option is to donate your remaining balance to a charity via SMS text message before porting your number.

Transfer my number to Tesco Mobile

How to switch to Tesco Mobile and keep my The People's Operator number?

First get your Tesco Mobile deal and activate your new SIM card.

Once you have done that, get the following information ready for the step-by-step instructions:

  • Your old The People's Operator mobile phone number that you want to keep.
  • The The People's Operator PAC code (Porting Authorization Code) from your previous network.
  • The expiry date of the PAC number (valid for 30 days from the date of issue).
  • The temporary mobile number from your new Tesco Mobile SIM card activation.
  • You may also need the new Tesco Mobile SIM card serial number found on the back as an additional security check.

Contact Tesco Customer Care by dialing 4455 from your Tesco Mobile phone or call them on 0345 301 4455 from another telephone. Let customer services know that you would like to transfer your old number to your new TescoMobile account and provide them with the PAC number from your old network provider.

Alternatively, you can text PORT to 23424 free from the Tesco Mobile number you want to replace.

Note: You may lose network service for a short period on the day of transfer. If this happens, turn your phone off and on occasionally, until you see the Tesco Mobile signal on your mobile phone screen. This will indicate that the transfer is complete, and you can now use your old phone number in your new mobile network provider.

...more info on Tesco Mobile

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Compare Tesco Mobile vs The People's Operator

About Tesco Mobile

Tesco Mobile is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) in the United Kingdom operated by Tesco, using the O2 network as its carrier.

On 30 January 2014, Tesco Mobile started offering 4G service for its Pay Monthly and Sim Only customers at no extra cost, extending the service to Pay As You Go customers on 24 July 2014.

Tesco Mobile Network Features

Host Network Provider: O2 (MVNO)

2G Network Coverage: Yes

3G Network Coverage: Yes

4G Network Coverage: Yes

5G Network Coverage: Yes

WiFi Calling: No

4G Calling (VoLTE): No

Data Rollover: No

Tethering Allowed: Yes

eSIM: No


About The People's Operator

The People's Operator (or TPO Mobile) is a mobile virtual network operator that provides mobile phone services in the United Kingdom via the Three network. It was launched in 2012, with the aim of being an ethical mobile network operator.

TPO Mobile asserts that the service gives customers the opportunity to support their selected causes and receive updates on how their money is being spent, while businesses can fulfil their corporate social responsibility commitments.

UPDATE: On 13 February 2019, TPO announced they had entered administration and ceased trading on 26 February 2019.

The People's Operator Network Features

Host Network Provider: Three (MVNO)

2G Network Coverage: Yes

3G Network Coverage: Yes

4G Network Coverage: Yes

5G Network Coverage: No

WiFi Calling: No

4G Calling (VoLTE): No

Data Rollover: No

Tethering Allowed: No

eSIM: No