Both carriers run on the TELUS network, so coverage is identical. The key difference is price and support. Here is the full side-by-side comparison to help you decide.
Public Mobile vs Koodo is updated for 2026 and explains the important Public Mobile details in plain English. Use referral code 5ESROG during activation to claim the available Public Mobile referral credit, then confirm the final offer on the official checkout screen.

Public Mobile vs Koodo matters because Public Mobile plans, activation methods, coverage, rewards, and referral credits can change over time. This guide keeps the main details in one place, explains how referral code 5ESROG fits into activation, and links to related Public Mobile guides for deeper help.
Public Mobile is a prepaid subscription carrier on the TELUS network. There are no long-term contracts, and most new customers can activate with eSIM or a physical SIM card. During activation, the Referral Code field is where you enter 5ESROG. That code is the only referral code recommended on PublicMobileReferrals.ca.
The safest approach is simple: choose a plan, enter 5ESROG, review the credit shown at checkout, and finish activation only after the offer looks correct. Public Mobile promotions can change, so always verify the live plan price, data amount, and included features before subscribing.
Public Mobile plan pricing changes often, but the current public plan lineup includes 5G Canada-US-Mexico plans at $35/25GB, $40/100GB, $45/150GB, and $50/200GB. Current 4G Canada-wide plans include $22 talk and text with add-ons at 4G speed, $25/3GB, $27/10GB, and $30/20GB. Always confirm the final price and included data on publicmobile.ca before activating.
| Feature | Public Mobile | Koodo |
|---|---|---|
| Network | TELUS | TELUS |
| 5G availability | Yes | Yes |
| $40/month data | 100GB 5G | ~50GB 5G |
| Canada-US-Mexico roaming | Included ($40 plan) | Extra cost |
| Device financing | No | Yes (Tab plans) |
| Physical stores | No | Yes |
| Customer service | Chat/community | Chat/phone/in-store |
| Public/Loyalty rewards | Public Points | Koodo Tab |
| Referral credit | Up to $40 (code 5ESROG) | Varies |
Public Mobile’s $40/month plan gives you 100GB 5G with Canada-US-Mexico roaming. A comparable Koodo plan typically costs $55-$65/month for less data. Over 12 months, Public Mobile saves you $180-$300.
Both carriers run on the TELUS network, Canada’s largest by geographic coverage. If you have good Koodo coverage today, you will have the same coverage on Public Mobile.
This is where Koodo has a genuine advantage. Koodo has physical retail stores and phone support. Public Mobile is online-only. Support goes through the Community Forum, a chat tool, and the app. For most account tasks this is fine, but if you prefer in-person help, Koodo is better.
Public Mobile currently lists 5G Canada-US-Mexico plans at $35 for 25GB, $40 for 100GB, $45 for 150GB, and $50 for 200GB. It also lists Canada-wide 4G options at $22, $25 for 3GB, $27 for 10GB, and $30 for 20GB. Plans change often, so always confirm the latest details on the official Public Mobile plans page before subscribing.
| Plan | Current data | Useful for |
|---|---|---|
| $35 5G Canada-US-Mexico | 25GB | Light to moderate users who want cross-border coverage |
| $40 5G Canada-US-Mexico | 100GB | Strong value for most heavy data users |
| $45 5G Canada-US-Mexico | 150GB | Very heavy data users |
| $50 5G Canada-US-Mexico | 200GB | Maximum current data option |
| $25 4G Canada-wide | 3GB | Light users who want a low monthly price |
| $30 4G Canada-wide | 20GB | Budget users who still want useful data |
Referral code 5ESROG is included throughout this Public Mobile vs Koodo guide because it is the site’s locked referral code. Do not enter another person’s referral code if you want to follow this site’s recommendation. The code should be entered only during activation, because referral credits usually cannot be added after the account is created.
For more help, read Public Mobile Guides, Public Mobile promo code, Public Mobile coupon code, Public Mobile eSIM, Public Mobile number transfer. These internal guides keep the Public Mobile activation, savings, and comparison information connected in one place.
Always confirm the latest plan prices on the official Public Mobile plans page. You can also check the Public Mobile help centre, the TELUS coverage map, and the CRTC Wireless Code.
Yes. Public Mobile is consistently $10 to $20 per month cheaper than Koodo for comparable data amounts. On a $40/month plan that is up to $240 in annual savings.
Yes. Both operate on the TELUS network. Coverage is effectively identical. Koodo subscribers may receive slightly higher network priority during peak congestion.
Koodo offers physical retail store support, device financing through Tab plans, and phone-based customer service. Public Mobile is online-only with community and chat support.
For most subscribers who bring their own unlocked phone and are comfortable with online account management, yes. Same network, significantly lower price.
Yes. You can port your Koodo number to Public Mobile. See the number transfer guide for step-by-step instructions.