If you're looking for a cheap plan that doesn't skimp on quality, Public Mobile's plans are some of your best bets. Owned and operated by Telus, Public Mobile offers affordable access to the Telus 5G network. As Canada's 5G network grows, Public gets you reliable access without exorbitant prices.
The best Public Mobile plan is the $35 Canada-US-Mexico plan, which provides a suitable 40GB of 5G data, perfect for students or those who don't rely on data. A close runner-up is the $45 Canada-US-Mexico plan, which offers a whopping 150GB of 5G data. For customers looking for a cheaper option, we recommend the $29 Unlimited Canada-Wide Talk + Text, which offers 35GB of 4G LTE data.
We’ve been studying the telecom market since 2008 and have learned how to spot the best cell phone plans for your wallet. Below, we’ll discuss each plan's specifics and analyze the Public Mobile coverage map.
How we picked the best Public Mobile plans
- Price & value
We ensured you're getting the most bang for your buck without sacrificing the essentials to keep you connected. - High-speed data
We leaned towards Public's 5G plans, evaluating the price of their data allotments compared with those of other Canadian carriers. - Coverage & network reliability
We evaluated Public's nationwide 4G LTE and 5G coverage to predict your service quality (no dropped calls allowed!). - Plan extras and perks
If you get a free SIM card or rewards points, we factored those in relative to the cost of the plan.
You can read more about our detailed methodology below.
The best Public Mobile plans right now
Top Public Mobile plans at a glance
| Plan | High-speed data | Shop this plan |
|---|---|---|
| $35 Unlimited Canada-US-Mexico | 40GB | View plan |
| $45 Unlimited Canada-US-Mexico | 150GB | View plan |
| $29 Canada-Wide Talk + Text | 35GB | View plan |
Best Public Mobile plan
$35 Canada-US-Mexico 40GB plan
Why we like it:
- Generous monthly data chunk
- Access to the large Telus 5G network
- Free eSIM
Public Mobile's best plan offers plenty of high-speed 5G data, the reliability of the Telus network, and a cheap monthly payment.
View DetailsWe haven't been shy about our affection for this plan; it has consistently appeared on our list of the best cell phone plans in Canada since it was released. There's good reason for all the hoopla—the plan delivers premium coverage but has the price tag of a budget option. For just $35/month, you'll grab 40GB of 5G data, unlimited talk and text, and coverage on the nationwide Telus network. For a limited time, you'll also score a free eSIM at checkout.
One downside is that Public Mobile doesn’t sell cell phones to purchase along with your plan, though we don’t think that’s a dealbreaker. After all, we prefer BYOD plans, which avoid lengthy contracts and higher monthly payments. If you’re looking for a new phone to pair with your new Public Mobile plan, we suggest you purchase an unlocked phone (like the iPhone 16e or Pixel 9a) from a third-party retailer like Amazon, Mobile Klinik, or Orchard and activate it with your Public Mobile eSIM.
Best data-heavy Public Mobile plan
$45 Canada-US-Mexico 150GB plan
Why we like it:
- Enormous 5G data allotment
- U.S. coverage for students and snowbirds
- Bonus rewards points
Public Mobile's premium plan provides power users with enough 5G data to satisfy all their mobile needs.
View DetailsIf you're a hardcore gamer or Netflix binge-watcher, 150GB is plenty to satisfy your content consumption while off Wi-Fi. That data works in both Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, making it the perfect option for students and snowbirds travelling south of the border.
This plan also awards you 2% back in Public Points, the carrier's rewards program. You can use your points towards monthly payments or additional features, like bonus data. While Public's older loyalty program, Public Rewards, was more generous, we still think scoring a recurring monthly rebate is a pretty sweet perk.
Best cheap Public Mobile plan
$29 Unlimited Canada-Wide Talk + Text + 35GB
Why we like it:
- Affordable 4G option
- Average monthly data allotment
- Monthly rebate for 90-day subscriptions
The best cheap Public Mobile plan is also the carrier's most practical, with just enough 4G data to get you through the month.
View DetailsIf you primarily use your phone for talk and text, saving all your streaming and Zooming for Wi-Fi, there's no reason to pay for a high-data plan. This cheap Public Mobile plan is an ideal option for more practical phone users, providing unlimited talk and text plus 10GB of 4G data on the nationwide Telus network.
Note the difference, though: This plan offers 4G data rather than 5G. That means you'll have trouble FaceTiming or streaming video when not on Wi-Fi. That won't be an issue for more casual phone users, but it'll likely be a problem for power users.
Much like the plan above, you'll also receive 2% in Public Points each month to use on future bill payments. That might not seem like much, but we think anything that drives down your monthly bill is a win.
Public Mobile coverage
Image: Public Mobile
Public Mobile operates on the Telus network, which reaches over 99% of Canadians. As a Telus MVNO, Public sells access to the Telus network at reduced rates. The key difference between Public and Telus is in what the monthly bill gets you. With Telus, you can finance phones, add multiple lines, and get assistance from customer support. Public doesn’t offer any of those things, which allows it to offer such cheap plans.
Public began offering 5G plans in May 2023. These plans operate on the Telus 5G network, which reaches 70% of Canadians. For now, most of that network is confined to the more urban areas of the country’s southern half. We expect that coverage area to grow as the technology continues to expand throughout the country.
Methodology: How we picked the best Public Mobile cell phone plans
WhistleOut evaluates phone plans based on the following criteria:
- Price & value: Not all cheap plans are "bad," and not all expensive plans are worth it. We look at everything a plan includes and compare it to other plans from the same carrier, as well as similar plans from competitors in the market, to determine whether the value is consistent with the price.
- High-speed data: Also called "premium" data, this is how much data you get at full 4G/5G speeds before they can or will slow down. The more guaranteed high-speed data the plan includes, the better experience you'll generally have—but there's also usually a limit to how much you actually need, and we ensure that you're not overpaying for data that will go unused.
- Coverage & network reliability: The breadth of each carrier's 4G LTE and 5G networks determines your reception and service. Particularly in the case of 5G, some carriers offer far more robust coverage than others, which affects how their phone plans perform in different parts of the country.
- Plan extras and perks: In addition to the basics—talk, text, and data—some plans throw in freebies like hotspot allowances, cloud storage, entertainment subscriptions, or service discounts.
Our mobile experts leveraged proprietary data and real-world customer feedback to evaluate the best Public Mobile cell phone plans. We analyzed their coverage, cost, and plan options and considered plan-specific elements, including perks, premium data allowances, and mobile hotspot allocations. After performing hands-on testing and extensive research, including customer feedback, we picked the Public Mobile plans we feel meet the needs of most people.
Visit our guide to choosing a phone plan to evaluate a cell phone carrier or plan and find the one that best meets your specific needs.
Best Public Mobile plans: FAQ
Are Public Mobile plans prepaid?
Yes. All Public Mobile plans are prepaid. Customers pay before their billing cycle begins, helping avoid overage charges, contracts, and unexpected bills.
Does Public Mobile offer family plans?
No, Public Mobile does not currently offer family plans or multi-line discounts. Each line is managed separately, though multiple family members can subscribe to Public Mobile individually and choose different plans based on their needs.
Are Public Mobile plans unlimited?
All Public Mobile plans include unlimited talk and text, but data allowances vary by plan.
Why is Public Mobile so cheap?
Public Mobile keeps costs low by operating as TELUS's budget-focused prepaid brand. The carrier sells SIM-only service, doesn't offer phone financing, relies primarily on self-serve digital support, and maintains a streamlined product lineup. These savings allow Public Mobile to provide access to the TELUS network at lower monthly prices than many traditional postpaid plans.
Steve Vegvari
Staff Writer
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