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Public Mobile’s $49/100GB Canada–U.S. plan was a short-lived November 2024 offer, not a current signup option. Launched on November 7, 2024, it provided 100GB of 4G data for each 30-day subscription period, with use in Canada and the United States. Public removed it on November 21, replacing it with a $55/100GB 5G Canada–U.S.–Mexico plan. The historical offer appealed mainly to heavy-data, cross-border users; it was not automatically the best value for moderate users or anyone prioritizing 5G.
What the $49 plan included
The original launch coverage described the plan as follows:
| Feature | November 2024 offer |
|---|---|
| Price | $49 Canadian per 30-day subscription period |
| Data | 100GB |
| Network tier | 4G/LTE |
| Advertised speed | Up to 100Mbps |
| Included geography | Canada and the United States |
| Calling | Unlimited calling within Canada and the U.S. |
| Texting | Unlimited international texting |
| Long-distance calling | 1,000 minutes per month to China, Hong Kong, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Taiwan and the U.K. |
| Contract | No-contract subscription service |
MobileSyrup reported the launch on November 7, 2024. Public’s terms describe a subscription period as 30 days from activation, rather than a conventional fixed-term contract.
“Canada/U.S.” was more than cheap calls
The plan was intended for use while in either Canada or the United States. Its Canada/U.S. data, calling and texting benefits were separate from the 1,000 long-distance minutes to the seven named countries.
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That distinction matters. The international minutes did not mean the plan provided mobile service in China, India, the U.K. or the other destinations. Nor did Canada/U.S. coverage imply worldwide roaming. Mexico was not part of the original offer based on its launch description.
Why the offer made sense for some customers
The plan was a reasonable fit for someone who regularly crossed the border, used close to 100GB a month, or wanted to avoid maintaining a separate U.S. SIM or eSIM. It also suited hotspot users, frequent travellers and people who preferred a no-contract BYOD service.
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Its value was less compelling for a typical smartphone user who consumed well below 50GB, rarely visited the U.S., or wanted the highest available network tier. Public’s contemporary $45/65GB 5G Canada/U.S. plan cost less and advertised speeds of up to 250Mbps. A $36/50GB 5G option was cheaper still for moderate users. Those comparisons were part of the reason 100GB was not automatically the best deal for everyone.
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“Up to 100Mbps” was an advertised maximum, not a guaranteed result. It was generally ample for web browsing, navigation, music and high-definition video. The limit mattered more for large downloads, tethering, cloud backups and customers choosing a plan primarily by its peak speed.
Rank #3
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
The data allowance and speed tier were separate trade-offs: a customer could receive 100GB of data but still have a lower ceiling than a 5G subscriber. Actual performance would vary with location, congestion, device capability and network conditions. The launch reporting establishes the advertised cap, not independent speed-test results.
The plan lasted only two weeks
On November 21, 2024, Public introduced Black Friday offers and removed the $49/100GB 4G Canada/U.S. plan. The high-data replacement was $55 for 100GB of 5G data usable in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, with 2,000 monthly long-distance minutes to the same listed destinations. See the replacement-plan chronology.
Rank #4
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- 4G LTE Bands: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28/B38/B40/B41
- Display: Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
That means the $49 offer was not a permanent plan that continued alongside the later lineup. Existing customers should not assume they can leave a legacy plan and return to it, or that an account-specific offer is available to new subscribers.
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The historical plan is absent from the latest accessible Public Mobile plans page checked in August 2026. That page showed the following prices and allowances, which are promotional and can change:
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- GSM Unlocked: Enjoy seamless connectivity with your preferred GSM carrier. Compatible with T-Mobile, Metro PCS, AT&T, Cricket, Mint Mobile and other GSM networks. SIM card not included. For network compatibility, please check with your carrier. Note: Not compatible with CDMA networks like Verizon (Visible, Spectrum Mobile, US Mobile, Total Wireless, Straight Talk Wireless)
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- $22 Canada-wide talk-and-text
- $24 for 5GB, 4G Canada-wide
- $28 for 10GB, 4G Canada-wide
- $30 for 35GB, 4G Canada-wide
- $35 for 50GB, 5G Canada-wide
- $35 for 25GB, 5G Canada/U.S./Mexico
- $40 for 75GB, 5G Canada/U.S./Mexico
- $45 for 125GB, 5G Canada/U.S./Mexico
- $50 for 175GB, 5G Canada/U.S./Mexico
The listed cross-border tiers included unlimited talk and text, 1,000 international minutes to the specified destinations and 2% back in Public Points. The page also displayed a limited-time $0 eSIM promotion. These current prices are not direct continuations of the 2024 $49 plan; check the live page before switching.
Public says its service is powered by the TELUS network and that eligible plans provide 5G access. Coverage depends on location, device and network conditions. Review Public’s coverage information.
Important limitations before choosing a similar plan
- It is not unlimited data: the historical allowance was 100GB for the 30-day period.
- Speed is capped: the original tier was 4G with an advertised maximum of 100Mbps.
- Cross-border is not worldwide roaming: the stated footprint was Canada and the U.S.
- Long-distance minutes are limited: 1,000 minutes applied only to seven named countries.
- A compatible, unlocked phone is required: verify network bands, eSIM support and compatibility before activation.
- Prices and inclusions change: Public has repeatedly replaced plans and promotional terms.
- No bundled handset: this was a service plan, not a phone-financing offer.
Public’s service terms say service depends on compatible equipment and network availability and describe cancellation without a cancellation fee. Taxes, activation requirements and account-specific promotions should be confirmed at checkout.
Should you look for the old $49 plan?
For a new customer, no: it is not listed as available. If you need permanent Canada/U.S. service today, compare Public’s current cross-border plans with other carriers. If you visit the U.S. only occasionally, keeping a cheaper Canadian plan and adding a travel eSIM may cost less, although many travel eSIMs are data-only and may not provide a U.S. number or reliable SMS for two-factor authentication.
The historical plan was good at launch for a narrow group: customers who genuinely needed nearly 100GB and regular Canada–U.S. use, and who accepted 4G speeds up to 100Mbps. It was a poor fit for light users, 5G-first shoppers and people expecting service outside the included countries.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
