Public Mobile : Top Phone Plans & Phones Canada

Public Mobile: Everything You Need to Know 

Public Mobile has established itself as a budget-friendly, no-contract mobile provider in Canada. As a subsidiary of Telus, it offers affordable plans, extensive nationwide coverage, and a self-managed service model that allows customers to take full control of their mobile experience. Whether you’re considering switching to Public Mobile or simply exploring your options, this detailed guide will cover everything you need to know, including plans, network performance, customer experience, activation process, and promotions.

About Public Mobile

Founded in 2010, Public Mobile entered the Canadian market as an independent discount mobile carrier. In 2013, Telus acquired Public Mobile, incorporating it into its family of brands alongside Koodo Mobile and Telus Mobility. Unlike traditional carriers, Public Mobile operates entirely online, meaning there are no physical stores or call centers. Instead, customer support is community-driven, and account management is handled through a user-friendly app and online portal. Public Mobile's affordable prepaid plans and no-contract approach make it a great choice for budget-conscious Canadians looking for reliable service without unnecessary extras.

Public Mobile Coverage & Network Performance

1. Nationwide Coverage on the Telus Network

Public Mobile operates on Telus’s award-winning national network, meaning subscribers enjoy strong coverage across Canada, including in: ✅ Major cities: Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, and Ottawa ✅ Smaller towns & rural areas: Coverage extends to most populated regions ✅ Remote regions: Some areas may have limited coverage, but it’s generally strong Public Mobile customers use the same towers and infrastructure as Telus and Koodo, ensuring a high-quality and reliable connection.

2. Network Speed & Performance

As of 2025, Public Mobile offers 4G LTE and 5G network access, with the following speed tiers:

Network Type	Download Speed	Upload Speed	Latency
5G (New in 2025)	Up to 250 Mbps	30-50 Mbps	10-30ms
4G LTE	Up to 100 Mbps	20-40 Mbps	30-50ms
3G (for legacy plans)	Up to 3 Mbps	1-2 Mbps	100ms+

Public Mobile now offers 5G plans, providing faster speeds, lower latency, and improved reliability for users who have 5G-compatible devices.

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Parent Company & Network Usage

Public Mobile is fully owned by Telus, meaning it benefits from: ✔ Telus’s extensive 4G LTE & 5G network ✔ Reliable coverage across Canada ✔ Competitive pricing compared to major carriers Because Public Mobile doesn’t operate its own physical network, it relies entirely on Telus’s towers and infrastructure. This allows it to offer competitive service without the overhead costs of traditional telecom providers.

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Types of Plans Offered by Public Mobile

Public Mobile offers a variety of prepaid plans, including unlimited talk, text, and data options. These plans are subscription-based, ensuring predictable monthly costs. Key plan options include: ✅ Standard 4G LTE Plans – Ideal for everyday browsing and social media use ✅ New 5G Plans – Faster speeds, lower latency, and better connectivity ✅ Talk & Text Only Plans – Great for those who don’t need mobile data ✅ Add-Ons – Data boosters, long-distance calling, and roaming packages 💡 All plans are prepaid, meaning no credit checks or hidden fees.

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Why Choose Public Mobile?

Public Mobile appeals to budget-conscious users who want a low-cost, reliable mobile plan without being tied to long-term contracts. Here’s why it’s a great option: ✔ Affordable Pricing – One of the most cost-effective mobile providers in Canada ✔ No Contracts – Change or cancel your plan at any time ✔ Extensive Coverage – Uses Telus’s network for nationwide reliability ✔ 5G Plans Available – Faster speeds for users with 5G-capable devices ✔ Rewards Program – Save money by earning Public Points™ ✔ Flexible Plan Options – Choose from talk, text, and data bundles ✔ Easy Self-Management – Control your plan via the Public Mobile app or website

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Public Mobile App & Self-Service Portal

Public Mobile is 100% digital, meaning customers manage everything online. The Public Mobile app and website allow users to: ✔ Change plans or add-ons anytime ✔ Monitor data usage ✔ Pay bills or set up auto-pay ✔ Access community support for troubleshooting While there’s no call center support, the Public Mobile Community Forum offers peer-to-peer assistance where users can ask questions and get answers from fellow customers.

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How to Activate Public Mobile & Get a SIM Card

Signing up for Public Mobile is quick and easy. Here’s how:

Step 1: Order a SIM Card

🔹 Buy a Public Mobile SIM card online at Public Mobile's website or from retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, and The Mobile Shop.

Step 2: Insert the SIM Card

🔹 Place the SIM card into your unlocked phone.

Step 3: Activate Online

🔹 Visit Public Mobile’s activation page and: ✔ Create an account ✔ Choose a plan ✔ Set up payment

Step 4: Enjoy Your Service!

🔹 Your phone should be ready to use within minutes! 💡 Tip: If you’re switching from another carrier, you can port your number during activation.

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Public Mobile Promotions & Referral Program

Ongoing Promotions

Public Mobile frequently offers discounts for new activations and bonus data promotions. Current deals include: ✔ $5 monthly discounts for AutoPay users ✔ Limited-time data bonuses when activating specific plans ✔ First-month free offers for select sign-ups

Referral Program (Public Points™)

Public Mobile rewards customers who refer friends and family: ✔ $10 referral bonus for the person you refer ✔ Monthly bill credits when your referrals stay subscribed 💡 More referrals = bigger savings!

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Pros & Cons of Public Mobile

✅ Pros:

✔ Budget-friendly plans with no hidden fees ✔ Nationwide coverage on Telus’s network ✔ 5G connectivity now available ✔ No credit checks or contracts ✔ Earn rewards through Public Points™

❌ Cons:

✖ No physical stores for customer support ✖ Limited real-time customer service (community-based support only) ✖ Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) only—no phone financing options

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Public Mobile Customer Reviews

Here’s what Public Mobile users are saying: 1. "Reliable network, great pricing, but customer service is all online." – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 2. "No contracts, easy to use, but I wish they had phone financing." – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 3. "5G speeds are great, and coverage is solid!" – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4. "Had trouble activating my SIM, but the community forum helped." – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 5. "Cheapest mobile plan I’ve had—love the rewards program!" – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review Summary

Most users love Public Mobile’s pricing and coverage, with positive feedback on 5G speeds and rewards. Some customers miss in-person support, but community help is available.

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Final Thoughts: Is Public Mobile Worth It?

Public Mobile is an excellent choice for Canadians looking for affordable, flexible, and reliable mobile service. With nationwide coverage, 5G access, and no contracts, it’s a great fit for cost-conscious users who don’t need traditional customer support. 💡 Verdict: If you’re comfortable managing your own mobile service online, Public Mobile is one of the best budget-friendly options in Canada. Would you switch to Public Mobile? Let us know your thoughts! 🚀