Public versus Chat-r

**scwinn** · 05-02-2011, 09:57 AM

Why would anyone go with Public when Chat-r has such a superior network in terms of coverage, roaming in the U.S. and great support almost everywhere in Canada for the same price??? I say Publick should have 2 price points. The $15 a month talk only price that they have now, and a $25 a month talk, text, voicemail plane (their $30 plan now...) That would put them in the driver's seat.

**computergeek541** · 05-02-2011, 12:00 PM

Unless you want e-mail or web browsing capabilities or go on the current $15 plan, there's no logical reason to choose Public Mobile over Chatr.

Public Mobile's other voice plans just don't cut it. Before Public Mobile started offering web browsing, there was no reason to sign up. After adding applicable add-ons such as Canadian long distance, Public Mobile's voice services would come out to the same price as Chatr, Wind, or Mobilicity which is the most likely reason Public Mobile has so few customers. Wind and Mobilicity got customers over Chtar because they offered data and had agressive promotions on plans that included data for the same price or less than Chatr was charging for plans without data. Other customers signed up to Wind or Mobilicity for plans that included limited time discounts or prepayment discount on voice-only plans. Public Mobile's plan offerings were a complete failure for the longest time.

**scwinn** · 05-02-2011, 01:45 PM

As much as I want Public to succeed, their data offering was so bad that I signed up with Chatr. I figure with 1x web and rinky dink email it is like Public has no data anyway.

**MoreYummy** · 05-02-2011, 02:38 PM

how is the speed on mobile web on public?

**scwinn** · 05-03-2011, 09:19 AM

Its 1x a la 1998.

**nodial9** · 08-10-2011, 07:32 AM

Public Mobile - Mobile Rotary Dial Phone - no Voice Mail, no Call Display - old school telephone service without the cord! Unlimited for $15, otherwise Chat>r (now with data BTW) beats it hands down for those that like to talk, and for those that use a phone as part of "emergency preparedness" Wind's Pay Your Way blows PM out of the water

**kamp_krusty** · 08-10-2011, 03:02 PM

I personally find Public more than acceptable, but I don't use data or have the need to. Just for the ability to talk as much as I need to, it's perfect. It is like a landline that I can take with me anywhere in the city, plus I can call anywhere in the province (not just local like a landline), plus it's cheaper than a landline. Even if I added Caller ID for $5, it's still less than a landline+CLID, and there's a lot of added freedom, including all the tools built into a cellphone like a massive address book, the ability to text, calculator, calendar, etc.... all things not found on a landline.

I'm in front of a PC 24/7 so mobile data serves no purpose, but for those that want it, I'd suggest a provider and a phone with HSPA 3G+ speeds. It'll cost you more, but you'll get a true data experience.

**gp26** · 08-10-2011, 07:59 PM

I have to put my 2 cents into this. I've been with Public now for one week and i got to say that I am impressed with what they have done. I live in the Montreal area, and i have had not one dropped call. Network is stable. All I can talk.... all I can text with caller id included. Never needed data.. I have my home wifi for data. All for $24 dollars. I've been ripped off for so many years from the bigger companies.

Public Mobile has my business.

**Mann Incognito** · 08-10-2011, 08:25 PM

It's sometimes more than a phone or data issue. Personally, given the choice between the two I'd choose PM everytime, I spent 8 years with Rogers and there's just no possible way I'd ever go back. They've lost me for life.

**awebber** · 08-11-2011, 09:01 PM

I can see that for someone who wants more than the basics, PM might not cut it. But I'm looking at setting up a phone for an older person who wanted it for emergencies. We were thinking of 7-11 Speakout at $1.25/mo to sit idle, 25c/min to use, and only $25/yr to keep it alive. But PM at $15/mo means she could also use it to call friends when she's out without worrying about cost. Admittedly that $15 represents 60min/mo but she could use that easily if it's not costing anything (I think there are no extras with PM like 911 fees, govt compliance fees, etc.?). Happy to hear the service is acceptable.

=aw

**Jonavin** · 08-11-2011, 10:12 PM

That's what you get with 2G technology in an (almost) 4G world.

**awebber** · 08-12-2011, 08:57 AM

Is it possible to suspend PM service when you're away? I may be able to set someone up but they go south for ~3 months each winter. Cheaper to keep paying $15/mo than to cancel and buy a new phone, but even better would be to suspend for 3 months (either for free or for a nominal fee to cover their cost of the number and maintaining the account).

Thanks!
=aw

**droidacolyte** · 09-23-2011, 03:51 PM

Originally Posted by gp26

I have to put my 2 cents into this. I've been with Public now for one week and i got to say that I am impressed with what they have done. I live in the Montreal area, and i have had not one dropped call. Network is stable. All I can talk.... all I can text with caller id included. Never needed data.. I have my home wifi for data. All for $24 dollars. I've been ripped off for so many years from the bigger companies.

Public Mobile has my business.

Yeah in Montreal, there isn't a single carrier that offers the value that Public Mobile does at the $25-ish price point. Wind and Mobilicity don't operate in Montreal. Where else can you get unlimited talk, text and caller ID for around $25/month? With Chatr/Fido/Koodo/Solo, you're looking at $35/month minimum for a "city unlimited" talk and text plan.

With Wind and Mobilicity offering competitive unlimited plans (including unlimited smartphone data plans) in the Greater Toronto Area, the GTA is a tough nut for Public Mobile to crack though. Network quality matters too though. Mobilicity has a SMS issue that I'm not happy about (which is why I'm switching to Wind). And Wind is infamous for the half-duplex effect and the voice quality issues (not every user has these issues though. Which is why I'm giving them a try). Those are things to take into consideration when you shop around for carriers. I haven't heard too many people complain about Public Mobile on the voice and text end.

Anyone have any idea how many subs Public Mobile has in Montreal roughly? I heard they were doing well up there.

**nodial9** · 09-24-2011, 09:40 AM

Originally Posted by awebber

7-11 Speakout at $1.25/mo to sit idle, 25c/min to use, and only $25/yr to keep it alive.
=aw

That blows Wind's prepaid out of the water!

**nodial9** · 09-24-2011, 09:43 AM

Originally Posted by droidacolyte

Yeah in Montreal, there isn't a single carrier that offers the value that Public Mobile does at the $25-ish price point. Wind and Mobilicity don't operate in Montreal. Where else can you get unlimited talk, text and caller ID for around $25/month? With Chatr/Fido/Koodo/Solo, you're looking at $35/month minimum for a "city unlimited" talk and text plan.

One can Chat>r for $25/month, even in Montreal!