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Public Mobile’s eSIM lets you skip the store and shipping, activating your phone in minutes. But as we discovered, that convenience comes at a cost — especially when you need help.
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Public Mobile once stood out as a disruptor: affordable mobile service riding on the powerhouse Telus network — now with the added convenience of eSIM. But in 2025, after major pricing hikes and plan downgrades, what was once a standout in value has taken a sharp turn.
Behind the smooth eSIM setup and strong Canadian coverage is a growing base of frustrated users. We explored the real-world experience to see if Public Mobile’s eSIM still earns your trust.
Source: Public Mobile Facebook page
Public Mobile's eSIM is a digital SIM that lets you activate service without waiting for a physical card — you buy a plan online, get an eSIM QR code, scan it on your phone, and connect to the Telus network in minutes.
The activation process is straightforward once you create an account and select the eSIM option. Your phone connects directly to the Telus network, giving you the same coverage quality as premium carriers.
You need an unlocked, eSIM-compatible device to get started. Most recent iPhones and Android phones work, but older devices won't support it. Transferring your eSIM to a new phone requires community support help since there's no traditional customer service.
The biggest challenge? Many users report being unable to log into accounts, cancel service, or get help when problems arise. Public Mobile runs entirely on community support, which creates major frustration when things go wrong.
Public Mobile's eSIM works well if you want Canadian coverage and can handle self-service support. The Telus network provides excellent coverage across Canada, and recent users report the eSIM activation process as "surprisingly easy".
However, the value proposition has changed dramatically — and not for the better. Public Mobile has implemented multiple price increases throughout 2025, with the most recent July 8, 2025 changes being described by industry experts as "extremely disappointing."
What was once Canada's best-value carrier now sits awkwardly between budget options and premium carriers, having lost its competitive edge.
The numbers tell the story: Public Mobile's beloved CA$36/60GB 5G Canada/US/Mexico plan was replaced with a CA$40/20GB plan — customers now pay CA$4 more for 40GB less data.
These adjustments represent a fundamental shift away from the value proposition that made Public Mobile attractive. Most importantly, Trustpilot reviews show a dismal 1.7/5 rating with users reporting it's "impossible to log in or cancel accounts."
In 2025, Public Mobile has undergone a series of pricing overhauls that have left many longtime users questioning the value they once enjoyed.
While the carrier still offers decent eSIM plans, recent changes have seen data allotments shrink or prices climb. That said, some standout options remain, especially for those needing cross-border coverage.
Here's a breakdown of current offerings and how they stack up.
| Plan | Data | Price (CAD/month) | Network | Notes |
| Canada-US-Mexico | 80 GB | CA$50 | 5G | Includes 50GB bonus; adds 1000 international minutes |
| Canada-US-Mexico | 60 GB | CA$40 | 5G | Includes 40GB bonus; best 5G deal with US/Mexico roaming |
| Canada-wide | 10 GB | CA$35 | 4G | Good value for light users; 4G with unlimited talk/text |
| Canada-wide | 4 GB | CA$25 | 4G | Budget-friendly; basic plan with decent coverage |
| Canada-wide | 1 GB | CA$20 | 4G | Entry-level; only 1GB, suited for minimal data users |
While unlimited Canada-wide calling and texting remain, the overall value isn’t quite what it used to be.
Public Mobile is primarily geared toward Canadian users, offering strong domestic coverage. While some believed their Canada-US–Mexico plans were discontinued, they were in fact retained, but noticeably reduced in value.
Beyond those two North America-focused plans, international coverage is minimal. Public Mobile offers a few US roaming add-ons for short trips, but there are no global data packages or roaming options for travel outside Canada, the US, and Mexico.
For users who only need to call internationally from Canada, Public Mobile does offer long-distance add-ons. These include:
Region-specific packages like:
Still, for anyone who travels internationally, Public Mobile is no longer a strong contender. A dedicated travel eSIM provider is a much better fit for staying connected beyond North America.
Public Mobile runs on the Telus network, which provides excellent coverage across Canada. In cities and suburban areas, you'll get solid 4G LTE speeds with 5G available on higher-tier plans.
However, some users report "the signal was weak despite the Telus network" in various locations, suggesting network priority might be lower for Public Mobile customers compared to direct Telus subscribers.
Rural performance is generally good thanks to Telus infrastructure, but user reviews mention "flaky service" and weak signals in some areas. The network quality seems inconsistent based on real user experiences.
Unlike postpaid carriers, you can't switch networks once activated — you're locked to Telus coverage, which is usually fine but can be problematic in areas where other networks perform better.
Public Mobile keeps features basic. All plans include unlimited calling and texting within Canada, plus mobile hotspot capability so you can share your data connection.
You won't find premium features like WiFi calling, visual voicemail, or advanced account management tools. There are no data-only plans and users report the points system for add-ons often doesn't work properly.
Public Mobile has a 1.7/5 rating on Trustpilot based on 335 reviews, with most reviewers expressing "widespread dissatisfaction". The review summary paints a troubling picture.
Major complaints:
The overwhelming theme is frustration with the support system and basic account functionality not working properly.
Despite growing criticism, there’s still some positive sentiment around Public Mobile. Some reviews highlight solid service, straightforward plans, and meaningful savings (especially for those switching from pricier providers).
This is Public Mobile's biggest weakness. There's no phone support, no live chat, and no email tickets — everything runs through their community forum.
Users consistently report "there is no one to contact" and describe support as "non-existent". When problems arise, you're dependent on community volunteers and occasional moderator responses.
For eSIM-specific issues, users report problems like "eSIM not working" with no way to reach anyone for help, leading to continued billing for non-functional services.
Multiple reviews mention spending "a day and a half on their chat with an agent" only to be told accounts are closed or numbers can't be recovered. This support model clearly fails to meet the needs of many customers..
The Public Mobile app handles basic functions like checking data usage and paying bills. The app now includes eSIM management features for new and existing customers.
However, many users report serious issues with the login system, describing it as "impossible to log in, even after resetting the password 24 times."
Users also report problems with the points system, where "points are deducted from account but no data was added", suggesting the app has functional issues beyond just login problems.
While Public Mobile is still a workable option for budget-conscious users in Canada, travelers and remote workers increasingly need more flexible, reliable service — especially abroad.
Fortunately, several eSIM providers offer better coverage, better support, and more peace of mind. Here's how the top alternatives compare:
| Provider | Strengths | Best for | |
 | Airalo | Broad global coverage, reliable app and customer support | International travelers who want easy, no-fuss connectivity in multiple countries |
 | Holafly | Unlimited data in many destinations, responsive support | Heavy data users traveling abroad who prioritize convenience over price |
 | Nomad | Affordable regional plans, flexible options, competitive pricing | Budget-conscious travelers needing reliable data in specific regions |
While Public Mobile is still a viable low-cost option for users who stay within Canada — and to a limited extent, the US and Mexico — it simply doesn’t belong in the same conversation as global eSIM providers.
Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad aren’t just alternatives; they solve a fundamentally different problem: staying connected while traveling the world. They offer international data packages that Public Mobile doesn’t even attempt — with coverage in hundreds of countries.
If your needs go beyond Canada, US or Mexico, then Public Mobile isn’t just a poor fit, it’s the wrong tool entirely. For anything international, a dedicated travel eSIM provider isn’t just better, it’s essential.
Does Public Mobile support eSIM?
Yes, Public Mobile offers full support for eSIM on a range of compatible smartphones. This means you can activate your service instantly without waiting for a physical SIM to arrive.
How long does Public Mobile eSIM activation take?
Activation typically takes just a few minutes after purchase and setup, especially if your device is already eSIM-compatible. In some cases, it might take up to 30 minutes, depending on network traffic or device settings. Once activated, your service begins immediately.
How much does a Public Mobile eSIM cost?
The eSIM itself is completely free, there are no activation or hardware fees. You only pay for the mobile plan you choose, with options starting at very competitive rates.
Why you can trust us
We’re a community of travelers who’ve been there, done that, and learned the hard way. Our testing is based on real-world experience—we’ve lived the frustrations, celebrated the wins, and found the best solutions.
Our mission is simple: to make sure you never have to ask, “What’s the WiFi password?” again. All our tips come straight from personal experience — because we’d never recommend something we haven’t put to the test ourselves.
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