@Edsport @Chalupa_Batman @fixin1 @Rastin
You can try the following solution and see if it works for you.
How to set up?
1. Download the TextNow app and obtain a free Canadian telephone number. Note: You have to use that TextNow number every 2 to 7 days otherwise, the number may be removed. As long as you use the assigned TextNow number regularly, you can continue to use the same number. If you lose the assigned number, you can obtain another free one. You could pay a fee to lock the number, but frankly, I don't think it's worth it.
2. Set up a "Call Forward" from your PM number to your TextNow number. You can scroll down to the bottom of the following linked PM help article for a detailed explanation. I like to use the "variable" call forward code "*004... ". You have to set the X number of seconds before the PM call is automatically call forwarded to TextNow.
https://www.publicmobile.ca/en/bc/get-help/articles/call-forwarding
3. When you are in an area with poor PM cellular signal, all you need to do is find a strong free Wi-Fi source.
How does it work?
A. When somebody phones your PM number and you are still in Canada with a good PM signal, your PM number will ring X number of seconds. You can just answer your phone and take the PM call.
B. On the other hand, if you do not have a good PM signal or simply don't want to answer the PM call, after X number of seconds, the call will be automatically forwarded to the TextNow number. Your TextNow app on your phone will now start to ring as long as you have access to Wi-Fi. It doesn't matter if you are in a concrete bunker in a PM dead zone. As long as you have Wi-Fi, the call will go to your text now app on your phone. If the Wi-Fi is good, your TextNow call quality will be very good.
C. If you still fail to answer your phone, the the call will go to the TextNow voicemail. You can access the voicemail at any time from the TextNow app on your phone.
D. If you wish to make an outgoing call in a PM dead zone, you just open the TextNow app and just dial the intended recipient's phone number. What will show up on your recipient's call display will be the TextNow phone number.
Summary
As long as you have access to decent Wi-Fi, you will be able to receive the incoming call made to your PM number and you will be able to call out from TextNow toll-free to any number in Canada.
The advantage of this setup is that people can continue to contact you by simply dialing your PM number no matter where you are as long as you are connected Wi-Fi. There's no need to notify all of your friends, family or clients, etc about the TextNow number. They just simply call you on your PM number and not know the difference. It solves the problem of poor PM signals and makes it easy for people who don't know how to use a messaging app like WhatsApp to contact you. There's no need to switch to more expensive plans at Koodo or Telus in order to have Wi-Fi calling.
I have tested this out at home and it works. @LitlLdy has been using this setup to save her limited minutes.
YMMV, depending on the quality of your phone, strength of Wi-Fi. But at least, this setup does not cost you anything to try.
Good luck.
