topic Re: 3g access text in Get Support

3g access text

Sweetz — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 21:15:49 GMT

Can someone from the support team please reach out, just recieved a very concerning message and I need clarification asap.

Thanks

Re: 3g access text

slusagm — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 21:16:49 GMT

@Sweetz

What phone are you using? and which province you are in?

You are charged the $5 extra for using an old device was because PM would like everyone to change to a device that is compatible with PM network before end of March 2027, when 3G service will end. After March, all non-compatible devices will not receive voice calls

Your phone might be a 4G or 5G device, and your phone might has VoLTE itself, but it has to be on PM's VoLTE whitelist.

Since you got the $5 charge, your phone likely not on the list. better to check it yourself and confirm:
https://www.publicmobile.ca/en/get-help/articles/volte

if it shows your phone is not VoLTE approved on PM network, you should get another phone that is on the list to avoid more voice call issues

But if it shows your phone is VoLTE approved on PM network, then it was charged wrong, you can ask PM to check and remove the charge.

Simply open ticket with PM using Expert Messaging. Click the Orange Chatbot icon on the lower right to start, or use this link https://widget.telus.tiia.ai/libs/chatbot.html?botId=ZJkWuVb7Hp6EEcTIZKMZbvLwuDV&lang=en&toggle=fal...
(For 2FA when login, you might need to use email to receive if you cannot receive the text on the phone.)

PM will reply you via Expert Messaging between 9AM-10PM EST (Mon-Sun)
(for help with Expert Messaging, check here: https://publicmobile.ca/en/get-help/articles/expert-messaging )

Re: 3g access text

Sweetz — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 21:20:17 GMT

Not charged anything extra atm. Located in Newfoundland, using Samsung Galaxy XCover 4. Not in the market for a new phone as I prefer to have a smaller screen. Been with PB since like 2018 so getting this type of text was a little weird.

I need to but a new phone to keep using/having my service? 🙄

Re: 3g access text

Sansan — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 21:21:05 GMT

If you need to connect with Public Mobile, yiu have to message them yourself. They will not reach out to you first.

https://productioncommunity.publicmobile.ca/t5/Get-Support/Text-regarding-5-mo-3G-usage-price-increase/m-p/1437142

Re: 3g access text

slusagm — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 21:24:41 GMT

Samsung XCover 4 likely not in the approved list. But use the IMEI checker to confirm and let us know

Re: 3g access text

Sweetz — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 21:26:46 GMT

I checked the IMEI, but again been using the phone and been an active PB customer since 2018, so don't know where this is coming from. Additionally I prefer a smaller screen, and it's not in the budget to get a new phone. I am an Android user, so not going the iPhone route.

Does this mean I will no longer be able to have a service for which I've been paying for?

Re: 3g access text

slusagm — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 21:28:24 GMT

So, it shows incompatible?

Yes, you need to change phone or you won't be able to receive calls using PM network

You might be able to change to Koodo or Telus

If budget an issue, check Samsung A16 , that is a phone what works

Re: 3g access text

Sweetz — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 21:31:49 GMT

It shows not compatible.

Got burned bad by telus/kodoo, hence why here at public mobile.

Where do I look for other alternatives, as looks like I'm going to have to get a new phone (forcefully) which is kinda not a good move from a consumers point of view.

Re: 3g access text

Sansan — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 21:31:50 GMT

It's not about how long you've been a client. It's the technology changing. You can continue to use your phone for now until March in the meantime they will charge you extra $5 until then. Come March of next year, then you won't be able to have service.

Re-read the text and do some research. The Samsung A16 is not bad. I have that as one of my phone.

Re: 3g access text

Sweetz — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 21:33:49 GMT

Need suggestions with a Small screen, as again mine is 5" not looking to have a 6.7" tablet

Re: 3g access text

Sweetz — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 21:36:09 GMT

Again need something with a small screen not a mini tablet. Did read the text seems like wanting to be branched off to another company. Simply put why would I go elsewhere where I am happy with whom I'm with.

I knew eventually I'd need to get a new phone, but again everything on the market is huge and I need a small screen!

Re: 3g access text

slusagm — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 21:39:54 GMT

You need a proper Canadian phone not imported phone to use it on PM network

There are not many choices. To be safe, to assure it is in the approved list , get a S24 phone, which has a 6.1 inches screen

Re: 3g access text

Sweetz — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 21:41:16 GMT

So the issues are, small screen and needs to still have the 3.5mm jack (which sadly now a days is non existent) so if worse comes to worse, will need to get rid of a phone all together.

Re: 3g access text

Sansan — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 21:42:10 GMT

Unfortunately, many companies are going this route. Some have already done since 2025.

Phones are getting bigger, not smaller. I guess you need to do some research.

Check Walmart or Costco see what they have. I know that Koodo also sells phones out right.

Don't rush it, take your time and research and learn.

Re: 3g access text

slusagm — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 21:44:34 GMT

3.5 mm, you can use an adapter

But small screen , still a smart phone, and is on PM'S VoLTE approved list, you really cannot find one

Re: 3g access text

Sansan — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 21:44:23 GMT

Yes loved my 3.5 m jack!! I had to get adaptor. Also, most phones now don't have physical SIM slot anymore...

Re: 3g access text

Sweetz — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 21:47:06 GMT

Okay I found a phone which still has the 3.5mm it's a bigger phone but it has the jack, how can I test to see that it's compatible, I don't have the IMEI, it's a Motorola Moto G06.

Thank you all for the assist atm, getting this message kinda of gave me anxiety atm

Re: 3g access text

ICE_ICE_Baby — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 21:50:34 GMT

Would something like a Samsung 'Flip' type phone suffice for keeping the footprint smaller?

Re: 3g access text

slusagm — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 21:56:12 GMT

You meant G6 or G06? G06 has 6.88 inches screen

And as I said you can use an adapter if you live the 3.5 mm jack

Re: 3g access text

Sansan — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 21:55:27 GMT

I think you want to stick with the Motorola made aleast 2024. Even better 2025.