@Gbx as others have already alluded to, Public Mobile (PM) operates a bit differently. It's a no-frills, online-only provider, which help keep their overhead low, which allows them to offer the awesome plan prices we all love, while still providing excellent network quality (by operating on the Telus Mobility network).
The downside is, as already mentioned, there is no option for an in-person activation. You simply order a SIM card and it's delivered to your home or office, and then you go to https://activate.publicmobile.ca to set up and pay for your service with your credit card, all from your computer.
A couple of things you will need to know:
- if you are bringing over a phone from another provider other than Telus or Koodo, then you will likely need to get the phone carrier unlocked (unless you are 100% sure it's already not locked to a carrier, or it is locked to Telus/Koodo).
- the phone also has to be compatible with Telus's network, which means it has to have at least 3G radio that supports 850MHz and 1900MHz frequencies. If your phone was previously used with Telus or Koodo, it will definitely work with PM. The same is true if your phone was previously used with Bell or Virgin, though it will probably need to be unlocked. Most phones that worked with Rogers/Fido/Chatr will work as well (after being unlocked), provided they weren't relying on Rogers' 2G GSM network for talk & text. Many phones previously used on Wind will work fine, but not all.
If you're in doubt of your phone's compatibility, just let us know the brand and model (as specific as possible--many phones have different sub-models with different network support) and we can help check.
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