Phone Requirement

[LPCadieux]

If you're transferring your number from another carrier, do you have to have an unlocked phone? 

[geopublic]

@LPCadieux  it depends on how fast you can type. Once you complete the process you should be able to insert the soon in you device and connect to the network.

[kselmak]

@LPCadieux 

Who is your provider at the moment?

If it's Telus/koodo you don't have to do anything about your phone. 

If it's Bell/lucky/virgin your phone will work but u will have to contact them to unlock

If it's Rogers family or other providers on Rogers network, first check that your phone is compatible and can do g3 850mhz and 1900mhz, and unlock it

Welcome to public mobile

[darlicious]

@LPCadieux  Even if you are with telus or koodo its always a good idea to have your phone unlocked before you leave to simplify matters and have it free to accept a foreign sim if you go travel (also a good excuse to ask for unlocking to avoid the retention sales pitch.)

   In most cases porting from another provider can take 5 minutes or less but expect up to two hours and sometimes three with rogers. Any longer indicates a stuck port (as does the lack of incoming calling.) Just ensure that your current providers account is active and use your name, phone number and account number to initiate the port when activating your pm sim card.

* all applies except koodo prepaid then you must take a temp number and ask the moderators to assist.

[gblackma]

@LPCadieux  if not porting, usually under 25 minutes, if porting from another cell phone provide under 3 hours, a landline or voip provider 2 .5 days to 7 days. Welcome to PM.

[LPCadieux]

how long does activation normally take?

[geopublic · Accepted solution]

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@LPCadieux wrote:

If you're transferring your number from another carrier, do you have to have an unlocked phone? 

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@LPCadieux  If the provider was Telus or Koodo then you don't need to unlock your phone. If your phone is locked by any other provider then yes, it must be unlocked before you can use it with a Public Mobile sim card.

[mpcdesign]

@LPCadieux, and you need to be active with the other phone carrier to be properly ported over to Public Mobile too. Don't want to lose that great phone number that you have!

[gblackma]

@LPCadieux Yes you do.  Ask your old provider to unlock it for you. Here's 4 articles on activation and porting and the Refer a friend reward  if required:

1. What you require to activate https://www.publicmobile.ca/en/bc/get-help/articles/what-you-need-to-activate
2.How to activate https://www.publicmobile.ca/en/bc/get-help/articles/activation-account-set-up
3.How to port https://www.publicmobile.ca/en/bc/get-help/articles/choose-your-phone-number
4. Refer a friend https://www.publicmobile.ca/en/on/get-help/articles/the-refer-a-friend-reward

Welcome to PM. Stay safe.