Although Koodo and Public Mobile are both subsidiaries of Telus, their similarities end there. These two carriers cater to very different needs. Contrary to what one might think, they are not limited to specific provinces but complement each other within the Telus ecosystem.
Koodo primarily targets young adults and people in their thirties, while Public Mobile focuses more on budget-conscious individuals. Although their pricing is relatively similar, their options clearly stand apart.
For example, Koodo offers the ability to roll over unused data, a benefit for those looking to maximize their plan. On the other hand, Public Mobile focuses on cost-saving initiatives, such as participating in an online community or sharing promo codes with friends and family to receive discounts.
Don't miss any price drops with our alert!
History
Koodo was created in 2008 after the bankruptcy of Amp’d Mobile, which had initially partnered with Telus. Aiming to attract a younger customer base, Telus launched this brand to offer postpaid plans and, later, phones in 2010. Koodo quickly evolved: adopting the HSPA+ network in 2011, launching plans with no long-distance charges, and introducing residential phone services in 2014. With flexible offers that cater to new trends, Koodo has established itself as a modern and accessible solution.
On the other hand, Public Mobile, founded in 2010 by a former Bell executive, targeted low-income individuals. This MVNO stood out with its community-based approach: customers could reduce their bills by sharing codes or participating in forums to accumulate points (up to $20/month). This strategy was highly successful, reaching over 280,000 customers in major cities before being acquired by Telus in 2013. Thus, while Koodo and Public Mobile complement each other, they cater to distinct audiences with their unique models.
Network Coverage and Speed
Koodo and Public Mobile both use Telus’ network, but they offer slightly different experiences.
Koodo, being a more premium option, provides better coverage and faster data speeds, offering a superior experience, especially with 4G LTE. This means that when you’re on the move or in more remote areas, you’ll generally have a more stable and faster connection.
Public Mobile, on the other hand, is a more budget-friendly option. While coverage is good, especially in urban areas, speeds can be slower, particularly when many people are using the network at once. This can sometimes affect the quality of the connection, but for a lower price, it’s a solid trade-off.
Cell Phone Plans
Koodo and Public Mobile offer different plans. Public Mobile is more advantageous under $40, offering more data and 4G speed included, unlike Koodo, which still provides 3G. However, between $40 and $50, Koodo takes the lead with more choices. From $50 onwards, both operators offer similar plans.
Public Mobile
Cell Phone Plan
20 GB of mobile data-
Unlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Messages
-
BYOD
-
Quebec
Koodo
Cell Phone Plan
20 GB of mobile data-
Unlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Messages
-
BYOD
-
Quebec
Public Mobile
Cell Phone Plan
50 GB of mobile data-
Unlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Messages
-
BYOD
-
Quebec
Koodo
Cell Phone Plan
50 GB of mobile data-
Unlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Messages
-
BYOD
-
Quebec
Public Mobile
Cell Phone Plan
100 GB of mobile data-
Unlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Messages
-
BYOD
-
Quebec
Koodo
Cell Phone Plan
100 GB of mobile data-
Unlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Messages
-
BYOD
-
Quebec
Mobile Plans with Phones
Koodo currently offers a wide selection of phones, including recent models like the iPhone 16, Samsung Galaxy S24, as well as previous versions like the iPhone 15 and Galaxy S23. Prices vary depending on the payment options, with the ability to pay in installments or choose a higher initial payment. Additionally, Koodo also offers certified refurbished devices, allowing customers to save even more.
Koodo
iPhone 16
128 GB
50 GB of mobile data
-
Unlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Messages
-
Upfront $346.00
-
Quebec
Koodo
iPhone 15
128 GB
50 GB of mobile data
-
Unlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Messages
-
Upfront: $25.00
-
Quebec
Koodo
Samsung Galaxy 24
128 GB
50 GB of mobile data
-
Unlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Messages
-
Upfront: $25.00
-
Quebec
Koodo
Galaxy S23 Ultra
256 GB
50 GB of mobile data
-
Unlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Messages
-
Upfront: $883.00
-
Quebec
Koodo
Google Pixel 9
128 GB
50 GB of mobile data
-
Unlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Messages
-
Upfront: $65.00
-
Quebec
Koodo
Google Pixel 8
128 GB
50 GB of mobile data
-
Unlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Messages
-
Upfront: $25.00
-
Quebec
Advantages and Disadvantages
Here’s an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of Koodo and Public Mobile. Koodo stands out with its wide variety of plans and the ability to roll over unused data, but its customer service and some pricing can be criticized. On the other hand, Public Mobile offers competitive pricing under $40 and a rewards system, but its online-only customer service and lack of coverage outside Canada and the United States can be downsides.
Koodo
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| No activation fees when done online | Customer service sometimes criticized |
| Wide variety of plan options | Plans can be a bit more expensive than competitors |
| Ability to roll over unused data | Data charges for the $33 plan |
Public Mobile
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Public Points reward system | Customer service only online, criticized for slow response |
| Competitive pricing and data under $40 | Outdated chat support compared to tools like ChatGPT |
| No credit check required | Does not work outside Canada and the United States |
User Reviews
PlanHub users often share mixed reviews about Koodo and Public Mobile. Regarding Public Mobile, users primarily appreciate the quality of its network and the points system that allows for savings. However, customer service is frequently criticized for its slow response time, which seems to be a recurring negative point in the reviews.
For Koodo, the reviews are divided. While its network coverage and service quality are seldom criticized, users often point out the difficulty in reaching an operator, despite the fact that Koodo offers customer service via phone and chat. Many express dissatisfaction with the long wait times before receiving assistance, which negatively affects the overall customer experience.
In summary, while both operators are appreciated for the quality of their network, customer service remains a point of friction for Koodo and Public Mobile subscribers on PlanHub.
FAQ
Who owns Public Mobile?
While Public Mobile was initially independent, since 2013 the operator has been a subsidiary of Telus, which bought it for an undisclosed amount.
How do I reach Public Mobile?
Public Mobile can only be reached by email at https://www.publicmobile.ca/fr/qc/get-help in Quebec or https://www.publicmobile.ca/en/on/get-help in Ontario. For other provinces, please select your province at the top of the screen. Otherwise, a SiMon chatbot is available, but its features are more than limited, and may even provide you with answers in English when you use French. Only former Public Mobile customers who purchased a subscription before January 27, 2015, can contact customer service at 1-855-478-2542.
How do I pay for Public Mobile?
To pay for your subscription, you will need to log into your Public Mobile account and visit the PAYMENT section. Then enter your billing number as a new invoice in your online banking account so you can make transfers.
How do I reach Koodo by phone?
Koodo can be reached by phone at 1-866-99-KOODO or 1-866-995-6636.
How do I access my Koodo account?
To pay for your subscription, you will need to log into your Koodo account and visit the Payment section. Then enter your billing number as a new invoice in your online bank account so you can make transfers.
Who owns Koodo?
Koodo was created in 2008 as a subsidiary of Telus. Koodo has been owned by Telus since its inception.
