Voice Call Performance Discussion

[Bigmac]

Hi guys,

As we know, PM is using Telus Network and some of us didn't have experience before. I just would like to open a discussion about voice call performance survey to help some new guys.

I used Koodo (which is another Telus's children company) for two years and the signal/voice quality was very good for me. Even I was in ACC watching Raptors game, its signal was still very strong and LTE worked very well. After Koodo, I used Fido for 4 years. Most of time it's Okay but in Guelph and ACC sometimes Fido will lost signal for a while (about 30s). Now I switch back to Telus service (PM), hopefully I would get the same performance as Koodo.

So far it's working well (Mississuaga/Toronto DT) but I didn't have a chance to ACC or Guelph. Is there any PM user who has experience in other places? Please share your experince with us. 

Thank you. 🙂

[deltatux]

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@Martin wrote:
Hello,

According to my PM contact, PM never uses Bell signals. Telus and Bell have a tower-sharing agreement throughout Canada, but it does not include each other's signals.

FYI.

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@Martin Really? That's a bummer since both Bell and TELUS's MNC are usually just placeholders for 302-880 which is the BELL/TELUS shared network. I guess we're not on 302-880 where both Bell, Virgin, Koodo and TELUS customers are?

[Bigmac]

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@Martin wrote:
Hello,

According to my PM contact, PM never uses Bell signals. Telus and Bell have a tower-sharing agreement throughout Canada, but it does not include each other's signals.

FYI.

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Thanks a lot @Martin. 

That means Bell and Telus share towers but they have their own device to send individul signal. 

[Martin · Accepted solution]

Hello,

According to my PM contact, PM never uses Bell signals. Telus and Bell have a tower-sharing agreement throughout Canada, but it does not include each other's signals.

FYI.

[Martin]

Hi Bigmac,

You're welcome!

Cheers.

[Bigmac]

Thanks, @Luddite.

Yep, PM cover Inuvik!!! I am so excited. Thank you for your help. 

[Bigmac]

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@Martin wrote:
Hi,

If you compare the PM coverage map with Telus', you will see a difference. PM, being prepaid, does not provide coverage into extended areas, made possible by reciprocal agreements with smaller carriers for Telus' postpaid customers.

With regard to Inuvik, if it is not in an extended area, coverage should be fine as Telus and Bell share towers throughout Canada.

FYI.

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Thanks, @Martin. I checked the coverage map. PM cover Inuvik and even Tuktoyktuk. Yahoo!!!!

[Martin]

Hi,

A clarification is in order.

Sharing towers does not necessarily mean sharing signals.

The unanswered question remains.

Cheers.

[Luddite]

@Bigmac If you are using an unlocked phone for PM why not find another prepaid provider and just switch SIMs; I noticed this group http://www.newnorth.ca - likely an MVNO but who cares if the price is right.

An alternative, if you won't be making many calls away from access to the Internet on wifi, you could also consider a VOIP app like the one from fongo.com.

Don't forget if you'll be away for more than 30 days you can stop paying PM for up to 90 days and retain your phone number.

UPDATE: just had a look at PM's coverage map and it does seem to cover Inuvik. Learn More

[srlawren]

You're welcome, @Bigmac.  It's possible I'm wrong.  I just searched Inuvik on the coverage maps for PM, Telus, and Bell, and they all appear to have about equal coverage.  So maybe PM does use the Bell network? 

Can someone from PM or one of the more knowledgeable community members please confirm 100% wehther PM does or does not benefit from Bell coverage?

EDIT:  it looks like @Martin has confirmed already, while I was typing up this reply. 

[Martin]

Hi,

If you compare the PM coverage map with Telus', you will see a difference. PM, being prepaid, does not provide coverage into extended areas, made possible by reciprocal agreements with smaller carriers for Telus' postpaid customers.

With regard to Inuvik, if it is not in an extended area, coverage should be fine as Telus and Bell share towers throughout Canada.

FYI.

[Bigmac]

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@srlawren wrote:

I'm new to PM but have been on the Telus network since 2003 and have always had excellent signal (greater Vancouver area).  That's the main reason I felt comfortable switching to PM, as it shares the same excellent network.

One possible drawback is that I believe the Bell/Telus reciprical domestic roaming agreement does not extend to PM customers--so in other words, we don't benefit from roaming over to Bell's network in areas where Telus signal is weak or non-existent yet Bell is present.  I'm not anticipating this to be an issue in the areas I frequent, but it's worth noting.

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Thanks @srlawren, your information is really helpful to me. I have a plan to travel to North - Inuvik. I have a friend who had been there and he said only bell has signal there (not test if Telus is also Okaym but Rogers for sure not.).  If PM doesn't share Bell's roaming, I think I have to borrow a Bell cell just in case. 

Thank you.

Mike

[srlawren]

I'm new to PM but have been on the Telus network since 2003 and have always had excellent signal (greater Vancouver area).  That's the main reason I felt comfortable switching to PM, as it shares the same excellent network.

One possible drawback is that I believe the Bell/Telus reciprical domestic roaming agreement does not extend to PM customers--so in other words, we don't benefit from roaming over to Bell's network in areas where Telus signal is weak or non-existent yet Bell is present.  I'm not anticipating this to be an issue in the areas I frequent, but it's worth noting.

[Bigmac]

@Luddite Thank you. That's cool. 

Yes, I also notice 3G is much stronger than LTE while I was around Union. 

[Luddite]

It was fine on the train from MIssissauga to Union today.

Also, have never had a problem along hiways 401, 7, 407 anywhere between Guelph and Ottawa.

Last week was in the boonies near Bass Lake and 3 G all the way. 

I do notice 3G is still much stronger than LTE in the places I travel.

[PublicMobile101]

@Bigmac your welcome 🙂 i just love how PM is different they let you choose what you want its awesome. Also have fun ! 

[Bigmac]

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@PublicMobile101 wrote:

I travel all over Canada and i have to say that the signal from PM is amazing 🙂 i have no problems with it i love it even in country areas outside of citys are good. I hope you will love it to 🙂 

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thanks a lot for your answer. I love PM too, :). Let me do some test this coming Sunday at ACC while I watch Raptor game!! 

[PublicMobile101]

I travel all over Canada and i have to say that the signal from PM is amazing 🙂 i have no problems with it i love it even in country areas outside of citys are good. I hope you will love it to 🙂