Public Mobile Under the Patch: Telus Hikes Prices for a Few Plans
Telus is nudging up prices on its value brand, Public Mobile. A small group of users will see a $3 monthly bump. The change goes into effect with the next billing cycle, starting October 30.
Public Mobile users on older rate plans are the ones most affected. Telus says the increase targets select legacy monthly plans. They add that customers can switch to any in-market monthly plan that fits their needs, giving access to unlimited Canada-wide talk and text, plus data on 4G and 5G networks.
Some chatter online has people reading a different message. A few Reddit posts claim they were on newer Public Mobile deals yet still hit by the bump. One person described a $15/500MB plan that reportedly launched in June 2025. The clash between “legacy” language and newer plan names has left some customers puzzled.
What This Means for You and Your Budget
Public’s price hike takes effect for plans that already sit at or above $20 per month after the update. The company’s $20 plan currently covers talk and text only. To add 3GB of 4G data, customers would pay about $25 per month.
That pricing leaves little room for very cheap options within Public Mobile itself. The brand has priced many of its options above the $20 mark, which pushes bargain hunters toward other carriers for sub-$20 plans.
If you’re counting on something cheap, Public isn’t always the best bet right now. It’s worth noting that a few smaller carriers still run similar offers, but the value is mixed. For example, Lucky Mobile and Chatr Mobile post $19 for 500MB plans, though those deals aren’t ideal for long use. The data caps and speeds can feel tight for everyday use.
Where to Look for Alternatives
There are several alternatives worth considering.
Freedom Mobile remains one of the more appealing picks for frugal customers. Its annual plan is priced at about $129 and includes 20GB of data plus unlimited talk and text. That breaks down to roughly $10.75 per month and about 1.6GB of data per month, a fair balance for many light users.
Other options may still hinge on smaller data caps, so shoppers should weigh their needs. If you want more data, you’ll likely see higher monthly costs. For those who can work with less, there are bargains to be found in the prepaid space or with carriers that run tighter caps.
If you’re on Public and watching prices, it helps to compare a few key points. First, check whether you need unlimited talk and text, or if a limited plan will do. Next, confirm the data cap and the real-world speeds you’ll see on 4G or 5G networks. Finally, compare any activation fees or device costs that might tilt the total month-to-month price.
Is It Time to Switch Providers?
For some, the price bump is a signal to reassess. If your plan doesn’t offer much data, a switch could save money in the long run. The market now features several low-cost options, though not all deliver strong value in every region. It pays to shop around and read the fine print on what’s included.
When hunting for a better fit, consider how often you use data, talk time, and texts. A plan with a higher data cap can be worth it if you regularly stream or download. If you mostly text and talk, a cheaper plan may still cut costs without hurting your daily use.
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