topic Re: Picture and Group Messaging Changes in Announcements

Picture and Group Messaging Changes

J_PM — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 19:16:32 GMT

Hey Community,

We’re here to share an update about picture and group messaging features. As technology evolves, select customers may be required to update either their settings or upgrade their device to continue benefiting Multimedia Messaging Service, better known as MMS.

Who is affected by this change?
Customers may be affected if:

The most recent software update from the manufacturer has not been installed
Devices are no longer supported by the manufacturer’s software updates
Devices are purchased outside Canada

Affected customers will receive an SMS or email notifying them of next steps in order to continue using Multimedia Messaging Services.

What is MMS?
Multimedia Messaging Service is the way mobile devices send and receive pictures, videos and group conversations across networks.

MMS is supported across phone manufacturers and operating systems on nearly all phone models that have data capabilities. MMS messages are sent through your normal messaging app that sends and receives text messages.

Note: Third-party messaging services, such as Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp, that have picture, video and group message features are not affected by this change.

What do I do if I get an email or SMS saying I need a new or replacement device?
As our network evolves, older devices (usually from 2015 or earlier) may require replacement. We regularly make network updates to ensure our customers are kept up-to-date with the latest security and software updates from manufacturers.

If you’re looking to upgrade your device, we have partnered with Mobile Klinik to bring you top-quality Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) phones that are tested and inspected by expert technicians to work like new at a fraction of the cost. With over 150 store locations across Canada, and an online website, Mobile Klinik offer's convenient access to a wide selection of refurbished devices that are backed by a 1 year warranty.

For more information on how to update your settings (IOS & Android) or device recommendation to ensure compatibility, review this Help Article.

The Public Mobile Team

Re: Picture and Group Messaging Changes

Handy1 — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 19:40:49 GMT

@J_PM Thanks for the update !

Re: Picture and Group Messaging Changes

makkahn28 — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 19:45:05 GMT

@J_PM I do concur with this too

Re: Picture and Group Messaging Changes

LitlLdy — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 20:23:19 GMT

@J_PM , that would likely be bad for the Customers using flip phones (like the ZTE Cymbal 2 Flip Phone purchased from Public Mobile in December 2022) then for their basic needs or not wanting/needing a smart phone! 😞

Re: Picture and Group Messaging Changes

hTideGnow — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 19:48:05 GMT

Thanks @J_PM . We heard this from Telus earlier

this is not a Telus only initiatives but for all providers?

Re: Picture and Group Messaging Changes

J_PM — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 19:55:58 GMT

Correct. All Carriers are affected.

Re: Picture and Group Messaging Changes

J_PM — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 20:00:16 GMT

@LitlLdy They can still use these phone types. Likely for basic needs talk & text (as you mentioned) vs. media activity like photos and group chats - not user friendly, compared to operating on a smartphone model.

Re: Picture and Group Messaging Changes

LitlLdy — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 20:06:22 GMT

@J_PM wrote:
@LitlLdy They can still use these phone types. Likely for basic needs talk & text (as you mentioned) vs. media activity like photos and group chats - not user friendly, compared to operating on a smartphone model.

@J_PM , ok no more picture (mms) messages for them on their new phone! 😞

Thank you for the prompt response.

Re: Picture and Group Messaging Changes

NSChris — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 20:17:59 GMT

Does anyone know the software version this includes. Android version 8.0.0, Patch Nov 1,2020

She's old but not that old. MMS usually involves data to some extent, is that the reason for the change . Can I get more of a technical explaination

Re: Picture and Group Messaging Changes

hTideGnow — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 20:25:55 GMT

Thanks @J_PM for confirming

Yes, with phone, we can long longer expect to keep using it without upgrade 🙂

Re: Picture and Group Messaging Changes

will13am — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 20:49:13 GMT

Editing APN settings should be relatively straightforward. People reporting data and MMS issues have been directed to checking and updating APNs all the time. Getting a new phone would seem rather over the top.

Re: Picture and Group Messaging Changes

computergeek541 — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 20:53:57 GMT

@will13am wrote:
Editing APN settings should be relatively straightforward. People reporting data and MMS issues have been directed to checking and updating APNs all the time. Getting a new phone would seem rather over the top.

I was actually also wondering if this is simply an APN settings change or if there is a technological change that would prvent the MMS from working.

Re: Picture and Group Messaging Changes

will13am — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 20:58:03 GMT

@computergeek541 wrote:
@will13am wrote:
Editing APN settings should be relatively straightforward. People reporting data and MMS issues have been directed to checking and updating APNs all the time. Getting a new phone would seem rather over the top.
I was actually also wondering if this is simply an APN settings change or if there is a technological change that would prvent the MMS from working.

The link in the OP points to APN settings. Most of the regulars in the community are familiar with APN settings. Customer having data related issues do ask about it from time to time. APN change is a solvable problem even for older phones.

Re: Picture and Group Messaging Changes

Priority — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 04:09:36 GMT

This would explain why the last few days pictures I've sent to flip phones have been 'Unable to Download' on their end.

Thank you for the official update. 🙏

Re: Picture and Group Messaging Changes

J_PM — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 14:51:28 GMT

@Me0W the team has confirmed the ZTE Cymbal 2 Flip Phone will still be supported for these features 👍

Re: Picture and Group Messaging Changes

LitlLdy — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 15:01:09 GMT

@J_PM wrote:
@Me0W the team has confirmed the ZTE Cymbal 2 Flip Phone will still be supported for these features 👍

@J_PM , thank you so much for letting Us know! 2 were just purchased in December for seniors & they have no need for smart phones.

Your patience is greatly appreciated. 🤗

Re: Picture and Group Messaging Changes

free7reigns — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 17:00:02 GMT

Looks like i can txt some people but not others

Whats settings change can i do??

Blutooth also sounds crap

So lets get this straight you CRTC companies decided to limit some phones and freq

Theres a complaint right there

Re: Picture and Group Messaging Changes

DoopyElephant — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 13:24:32 GMT

My phone supports mms do I have to turn on my data for it and does it use my data. I have the 15$/m plan.

Re: Picture and Group Messaging Changes

hTideGnow — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 13:32:09 GMT

HI @DoopyElephant

yes, you always need to turn on mobile data to receive MMS

Re: Picture and Group Messaging Changes

LitlLdy — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 16:49:49 GMT

@will13am wrote:
Editing APN settings should be relatively straightforward. People reporting data and MMS issues have been directed to checking and updating APNs all the time. Getting a new phone would seem rather over the top.

@will13am , thank you, I didn’t think of that! I panicked, sorry 😔