$5 usage increase despite being on 4G plan?

[pat8o]

On May 12th, I received a text that claimed my device was using Public Mobile's 3G network, and that my monthly bill will increase from $18 to $23. However, my device (Samsung Galaxy A70) is a 4G LTE device, and my current subscription is for 1GB data at 4G speed. Did I get this text by mistake? How can I ensure I do not get charged?

[Phone78change]

Hi pat80

Many of us receive the same $5 price increase message. I have a 4G phone. My new bill effective Jun 23 includes the $5 increase. Check the community link, there's a PM customer that owns a Samsung A17, a 5G phone (that's a pretty new phone) that receive the same message. No customer service representative to assist us.

I switched to a different carrier today, no contracts. Check the website, there are other low cost mobile phone companies same as PM, no contracts, same offers but with Customer Service you can call for assistance. 

Before switching, do remember to call the Customer Service of the new mobile phone co first, give them your IMEI number and confirm that it's compatible with their system. 

Switching is a breeze with today's technology, buy a new SIM, insert the SIM, follow all the prompts & instructions online and you're on your way . . . to a new mobile carrier . . .

All the best in your endeavors. 

Happy x-PM customer. 

[Phone78change]

Hi pat8o:

Many of us have received the same message. The increase is for additional $5 starting June 2026. I have a 4G phone too. Search this community board, there are some PM members who have switched to other carriers, I plan to do the same if PM increase my fees. Check the website, there are other mobile companies offering great plans to new subscribers. Every mobile provider has the same goal: how to milk the subscribers for more $$. If all of us switch to another carrier, PM will finally wake up! There's no customer loyalty, just pure CASH COW.  

[hairbag1]

@pat8o 

the issue isn't with your data plan; it's that parts of Canada are retiring 3G used for calling. Now, customers in those areas will need VoLTE to make calls. Not all cellphones are recognized by Public Mobile as VoLTE certified. Read this article and at the bottom is a device checker. 

https://www.publicmobile.ca/en/get-help/articles/volte

Looks like the A70 is not compatible with Public Mobile for VoLTE use...time to upgrade to a newer cell or find a different provider.

[slusagm]

@pat8o A70 is not on PM VOLTE whitelist.  Yes A70 might have VoLTE but it has to be on Om whitelist 

You will have to upgrade to a newer phone that will work on this network.  Remember z even you paying the $5 now, when PM decommissions the 3G network in March 2027, you will not have any voice service 

[Chalupa_Batman]

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@pat8o wrote:

On May 12th, I received a text that claimed my device was using Public Mobile's 3G network, and that my monthly bill will increase from $18 to $23. However, my device (Samsung Galaxy A70) is a 4G LTE device, and my current subscription is for 1GB data at 4G speed. Did I get this text by mistake? How can I ensure I do not get charged?

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There is nothing you can do, sadly. Public Mobile has increased the cost of some plans. Only thing you can do now is either fine a new provider with a better plan or go open the app, go to Manage Subscription and change plan and see what options are there. For the new price you will be paying, you may find one with much more data.