Upcoming Changes to our Old Rewards Program

[J_PM]

Hey Community,

We have an important announcement to share with our subscribers who are currently enrolled in our old Rewards program.

We’re making changes to our rewards program and are sharing how these changes impact some of our subscribers. Starting in May, we’ll be retiring our old Rewards program and moving all subscribers to our Public Points™ program. 

We launched the Public Points™ program in January 2022 to provide our subscribers with more ways to earn and spend rewards, with greater flexibility. As part of our commitment to continuously evolve our products and services, it's time to retire our old Rewards program and shift our focus on enhancing our Points program.

To show our appreciation for your continued loyalty, subscribers on our old Rewards program will receive a special thank you. We'll send you a text message when it has been added to your account by March 31st. 

We’re excited to continue providing you, our valued subscribers, more opportunities to earn and spend rewards with Public Points™ moving forward.

To learn more about your move to Public Points, check out our FAQ here.

The Public Mobile Team

[Grinch]

It’s called Lucky. 

[swlucas]

Hi. Any hints how to get that Bell plan for $15/month? That would be a great deal!

[HALIMACS]

It's only 5GB for $15 or less customers.

It's 20GB for upwards of $15

It's 240GB for upwards of $30 (i believe?)

[Grinch]

---

@jakeoh1 wrote:

– Allright, we can't keep having two rewards programs, it's just too much maintenance, it makes no sense and just cost us more.

– Maybe we could just shut down the old program?

– But didn't we promise them they would get these rewards as long as they're customers?

– Most of them won't notice or bother. Just throw a random bonus somewhere and they'll fold.

– Like what?

– I don't know, like 20 GB of data that they can only use for the next 6 months. They won't even use it, so who cares, they'll think it's fair, they're idiots.

– Right on! Let's give them, I don't know, like 240 GB OF DATA FREE!!!

– Hahaha

---

Your facts are a little off. 
1. 150 days = 5 months. 
2. Not every one gets or keeps. 
3. Only 5gb 

Enjoy 5 GB bonus data for 150 days, on us.1Bonus data will be added to your account by March 30, 2024, as long as your account is active. We’ll also send you a text message confirmation when the bonus data has been successfully added to your account. 

Bonus Data Details

What is the special bonus being provided to customers?

As a token of our appreciation, we're rewarding you with bonus data. You’ll find the specifics of this bonus in the email that will be sent to you by March 8th.

When will the special bonus be added to my account?

Expect your bonus data by March 31, 2024. We will send you an SMS notification once the bonus data is added to your account.

Will I lose my special bonus data if I switch plans?

The bonus data will remain active unless your account becomes inactive, you switch to a plan of lower value or to an incompatible plan.

What constitutes an incompatible plan?

At Public Mobile, you have the option between fixed data plans and unlimited data plans. Switching from one type of data plan to the other will cause your special bonus data to be incompatible and removed from your account.

How is my bonus data used in relation to my plan’s data?

Your plan’s data is used first. Once that’s depleted, your bonus data kicks in.

How can I track the usage of my Bonus Data?

Monitor your bonus data usage easily through My Account under the Add-on usage section.

What should I do if my account was inactive and I haven’t received my bonus data?

For your bonus data to be added, your account must be in an active state. Make sure your account is active by March 22, 2024 to receive your bonus data. If you have any issues reactivating your account or need further assistance, please reach out to a Customer Support Agent.

How long is my bonus data valid?

Your bonus data will be valid for 150 days from the day it’s applied to your account.

I’m already on Public Points - why didn’t I receive bonus data?

The bonus data offer is for customers who joined Public Mobile before January 2022 and were part of the old rewards program. As we transition away from that program, we’re providing a loyalty bonus to those directly affected by the change.

Having trouble logging in? Visit our Help Article for assistance.

1 The data bonus will expire if your account becomes inactive or if you switch to an incompatible or lower-value plan.

[HALIMACS]

LOL @jakeoh1 

I feel they knew it would cause outrage.  I'm quite pleased many are speaking up - it's important to keep them accountable for their choices.

I still, whole-heartedly, believe their hope is to trim the number of customers on the $13 & $15 plans.

What would be nice is if Public Mobile would elaborate how Public Points is being enhanced  ... with more opportunities to earn and spend.

When is that coming?

The people want to know.

[Shan_Bhai]

When I initially joined PM in 2017, their $25 plan with 1 GB data, along with inclusive calls and texts across Canada, was considered a good deal. However, over the years, their competitors caught up. Nowadays, PM falls short as a wireless provider with inadequate customer support and outdated network technology. My recent experience with their US-Canada plan was particularly disappointing. Their antiquated practice of whitelisting phones for VOLTE services caused significant inconvenience while I was roaming in the USA. Despite contacting customer support, I was informed that my phone wasn't compatible for VOLTE, when in reality, their technology couldn't support VOLTE-capable devices.

The introduction of the $24 plan exclusively for new customers was frustrating for me as a loyal customer. Despite my loyalty, I was denied access to this offer, even though PM's VOLTE whitelisting negatively impacted my travel in the USA. I reluctantly accepted this discrimination until they announced the migration from old points to new rewards.

From these events, it's clear that PM prioritizes acquiring new customers over retaining loyal ones. However, there's a silver lining for loyal customers who switch to other providers. I tried Freedom and was impressed by their plans and network connectivity. Unlike PM, Freedom enabled VOLTE for my phone hassle-free, allowing me to roam in the USA. Both Freedom and PM utilize AT&T and T-Mobile for roaming in the USA, but PM blocked VOLTE, whereas Freedom didn't.

To fellow mistreated loyal customers, there are numerous better options available than PM. I encourage everyone to explore other networks, and if unsatisfied, consider returning to PM as a new customer to receive similar rewards. PM's recent actions serve as an invitation for us to explore alternatives and break free from this declining service.

[jakeoh1]

– Allright, we can't keep having two rewards programs, it's just too much maintenance, it makes no sense and just cost us more.

– Maybe we could just shut down the old program?

– But didn't we promise them they would get these rewards as long as they're customers?

– Most of them won't notice or bother. Just throw a random bonus somewhere and they'll fold.

– Like what?

– I don't know, like 20 GB of data that they can only use for the next 6 months. They won't even use it, so who cares, they'll think it's fair, they're idiots.

– Right on! Let's give them, I don't know, like 240 GB OF DATA FREE!!!

– Hahaha

[swlucas]

You promised ongoing loyalty, autopay and referral credits when I signed up a few years ago and you are now reneging on that promise presumably because the loyalty credit is becoming valuable as it reaches its 5 year point. I note this is now your second attempt to evade this commitment, now using the camouflage of your rewards program. Clearly this promise was a deceit aimed to lure us in as you obviously no longer care for loyalty (if you ever did). The loyalty credit is not the same thing as it was an intrinsic part of the offer. While I note the referral credits appear to remain, your reward program appears to offer a mere $10/yr in value for loyalty vs the $60/year I have from 5 years of loyalty and I see no reference to the autopay credit.

You are certainly within your rights to change the terms for new customers but you should be grandfathering existing customers. I shall be filing a complaint with the CRTC/CCTS to request they take action to ensure you make the necessary changes to continue with the existing referral and loyalty credits.

This type of "bait and switch" is so unethical. Ugh. If only we had real competition.

[HALIMACS]

Only if they're on Legacy Rewards, @Dunkman .

Or is Public Mobile feeling charitable and giving data bonus's to ALL subscribers?

Are you on Public Points @mikasik2 , or Legacy Rewards?

[Handy1]

@Geekedout yikes seems like the greedy sticky fingered company is not going to back down on sticking there hands in our pockets to take all that they can . Well next time someone ask me about PM  I’ll just show them the reviews here 

Is that worth saving $1 . No live support .no wifi calling constant dropped calls , and a website that you can’t update your credit card . Not worth the hassle to get in bed with these rascals 

[Dunkman]

---

@mikasik2 wrote:

Can anyone confirm if I switch to the 3G $15 plan if I can use up my holiday data bonuses?

---

@mikasik2 

You will be able to use any old holiday data bonuses. 

However, you will lose your bonus data add on (either 5GB, 30 GB or 240 GB - expiring 150 days) as per FAQ on the announcement.   

[T-Rex]

The automatic discount is the only reason I subscribed to PM - otherwise their plans are exactly the same as everyone else! No reason to stick with PM now. 

[Geekedout]

 

 

 

[Grinch]

---

@HALIMACS wrote:

@ShawnC13 

I believe people are just reacting when they threaten to immediately leave.

After a period of sober second thought, they are likely curious to know what will happen in the next six weeks with respect to this matter and any promised enhancements to public points.

Indeed, leaving at the start of a cycle is probably ill-advised, however, maybe customers are getting huge incentives from other providers to go there, in which case, why not.

I’m still of the belief that Public Mobile is almost hoping to have those on the $13 and $15 plans leave. 

I’d say one way to stick it to them is to stick around on these plans until at least they’ve maximized whatever freebies they’ve been given or still have on their accounts.

---

Correct. Some that say they are leaving, will leave immediately, some will leave when things align for them, some will leave once they get into the NEW rewards,  some will leave with loss of referrals, and some will leave when what they pay PM is same or less elsewhere. And we (legacy customers) will all pay MORE. I am personally committed to say….the loyalty program will not keep me with any Telus product. In the next months, one of my three PM numbers will go to VoIP. And for sure in 2 years time, my TV and internet will no longer be with Telus. <= because IVR prevents me having a connection, crappy customer service, lied to numerous times, and cannot talk to a CSR in Canada. 

PM so far has not mentioned how they plan to improve retention. So far it’s all on us..paying more…or really stepping up referrals. My average loss of referrals is 48% and kind if makes it not worthwhile, doesn’t it?

[Wolfcore]

Next year (but probably earlier), I think it'll be the announcement that a bunch of those new "boxing day" plans, will be getting a $5 increase, which will cause some more outrage. That, or the official removal of 3g plans altogether.

[Wolfcore]

Don't forget that A LOT of people also use WhatsApp for texting/voice calls (which is free, and uses minimal data). Me personally, maybe 2% of the people I message, are via standard sms messaging, everybody else is WhatsApp. Fizz also offers a big discount if you remove texting, so that may be another good option for people to consider. Incoming texts are always free via sms as well, so even if somebody messages you there, at least you'd still be aware of it.

[mikasik2]

Cool thank you!

[HALIMACS]

Yes you can @mikasik2 

[dabr]

@public_999   Absolutely, agreed.  I was going to mention those points as well about how some customers were probably duped (bait & switch) into upgrading their plans with some great deals thinking they'd be paying a lot less with the legacy rewards but just didn't have time.  Those customers certainly have plenty of reason to be feeling more than a little aggrieved with this announcement along with those on the basic plan/s.

The other part that irks me about all of this is that we are talking about budget 3rd tier provider with limited customer service model along with the never seeming to get fixed ongoing problems and glitches with their payment system/website issues to mention two.  I'm sure most of us tolerated these shortcomings due to the savings we were getting with the legacy rewards as other carrier flanker brands have also offered the government required $15 plan for as long as PM.

Since the launch of the points system, we've seen at least one major change each year from how PM used to do business.  Last year we lost roll over data and, of course, there was no Xmas freebies last December either although less important, of course.  Cherry on top was PM quietly removing the conversion points credit for the points program one day before this announcement.

I wonder what will be next year's surprise...

[mikasik2]

Can anyone confirm if I switch to the 3G $15 plan if I can use up my holiday data bonuses?

[jakeoh1]

Extra: there also seems to be a very active community of Fizz users on Reddit where you can get refferals and even give/receive data if you need or want to share for a specific month.

[RetiredGuy1]

@eyes it appears you have bundled services with Bell? If so, yes thats great value for 120 GB 5G on a mobile plan but its on condition of being bundled with other services so not a fair comparison to a stand-alone mobile plan

[hTideGnow]

hi @eyes but do they have the Community and Oracles that you like there?? you are ready to move?? move again??

[jakeoh1]

I juste checked the Fizz phone plans and it will be better with my profile. I'm currently on the 34$/50 GB data plan with PM - minus 9$ in rewards that will all but disappear. However I use 10 GB max per month and do very little phone calls.

Fizz has a 21$ plan with 20 GB of data (unlimited text messages) if you are willing to pay .25$ a minute for phone calls.

Without PM rewards, this is a no-brainer for me. Hope it helps for people in the same situation that have access to Fizz. Will be porting out the four family accounts in May.

[HALIMACS]

@ShawnC13 

I believe people are just reacting when they threaten to immediately leave.

After a period of sober second thought, they are likely curious to know what will happen in the next six weeks with respect to this matter and any promised enhancements to public points.

Indeed, leaving at the start of a cycle is probably ill-advised, however, maybe customers are getting huge incentives from other providers to go there, in which case, why not.

I’m still of the belief that Public Mobile is almost hoping to have those on the $13 and $15 plans leave. 

I’d say one way to stick it to them is to stick around on these plans until at least they’ve maximized whatever freebies they’ve been given or still have on their accounts.

[Matty1234]

Please share, interested in their excuse to dismiss your complaint. 

[public_999]

However, it's very possible many people considered their discounts when upgrading their plans and without the discounts, the plan may no longer make sense based on their usage.  When Public raised the cost of the $10 plan a few years back by 30%, many subscribers took the opportunity to upgrade to the $15 plan because for $2 more you're getting 250 mb of data. I'm sure that was the intention of the 30% increase anyways, to push people to the next level plan.  I never upgraded because I don't use the line as my daily driver and I suspect there are many more like me that held out.

Personally I think that if Public wanted to get subscribers off the legacy reward program they should have made it a condition to upgrade to their promo plans.  Then the consumer is making an informed choice.  I went through this with Freedom being the beneficiary of 35% lifetime discounts on 3 of my lines.  I eventually forfeited my discounts in order to avail myself of some of their promo plans that better suit my needs.  A win-win for both consumer and provider.

[Wolfcore]

If they offered you a compromise, that's interesting. But my guess is they just gave the same answer they're giving to everybody else, which is that it was in their ToS, they can do what they want, and the action hasn't even officially taken place yet anyway, and blah blah. Surprised they responded so quickly though, considering they have 20 days to respond or whatever.

[Geekedout]

I just received an email from the CCTS. Enclosed in it is Public Mobile's rebuttal to my complaint!  If anyone is interested hit me up!

[ShawnC13]

@wetcoaster I do know that this hits the lowest priced plans the hardest, there is no doubt about that.  I have said for a while now that it has been the lower end plans (pricing) that have taken the biggest hit over the last couple of years with no real betterment to the plans.  That is an area that doesn't get refreshed plans or more data for a bit less price. It is stagnent.