Welcome to aubaine.ca!
Welcome to aubaine.ca!
Welcome to aubaine.ca!
By the aubaine.ca team · editorial direction: Marcel Dupont, founder · methodology
18 Aug 2026
Fizz, Public Mobile, and Koodo form the must-consider trio for Quebecers who refuse to pay premium prices for a cell phone plan. These three brands share a common business model: online sales exclusively, no traditional brick-and-mortar stores, and loyalty programs that reward customer retention. Yet their origins and strategies differ enough to warrant a thorough comparison before you sign a contract in 2026.
Understanding the differences between these three carriers is all the more important because prices and promotions change constantly. Rather than quote rates that would be outdated in a few days, we'll explore the mechanics underneath: how rewards work, which network powers each service, and how to navigate the pitfalls of switching providers.
Fizz is the online subsidiary of Vidéotron, Quebec's telecom giant. That means you're using Vidéotron's network infrastructure, rooted in Quebec for decades. If you live in a region well-covered by Vidéotron, Fizz will give you a similar experience, but at a lower price thanks to its digital-only model. Fizz bets on transparency and a rewards program based on credit accumulation that you can use directly on your bill.
Public Mobile and Koodo both belong to Telus, Canada's telecom giant. Although they share the same base network, these two brands target different segments. Public Mobile appeals to minimalists who embrace a very digital, participatory approach (plan adjustments via text). Koodo, while online, offers more flexibility and humanized support. You access the Telus network, which covers urban Quebec and major corridors excellently, but may be thinner in some remote regions compared to Vidéotron.
Your choice among these three plans also depends on the physical network feeding your phone. Fizz relies on Vidéotron; Public Mobile and Koodo on Telus. Coverage varies depending on whether you live in Montréal, Québec, the Outaouais, Abitibi, or Gaspésie. Testing before you commit is crucial, especially if you travel often or work in remote areas.
Vidéotron has historically concentrated its investments in Quebec, hence its nickname as "Quebec's telecom." 4G and 5G network coverage is excellent in urban and semi-urban areas of Quebec. In Montréal, Laval, Gatineau, and Québec, you won't notice any difference from the major carriers. However, in remote Outaouais, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, or Gaspésie, coverage can be less reliable than Telus, which has invested heavily across Canada. If you travel frequently outside Quebec or spend summers at a cottage in the country, check the official coverage maps before choosing Fizz.
Telus benefits from pan-Canadian investment and a 5G infrastructure more extensive than Vidéotron's. In Quebec, the three major cities (Montréal, Québec, Gatineau) and most national highways enjoy excellent Telus coverage. Public Mobile and Koodo automatically inherit this advantage. The gap really widens in vacation areas or industrial regions: Telus generally offers better reach there. For families splitting time between the city and a summer cottage, Telus/Koodo can be more reassuring.
None of the three offer long-term fixed contracts with device discounts. Instead, each offers a rewards or discount system that recognizes your loyalty and can significantly reduce your monthly bill over time. Understanding these mechanics lets you calculate the true cost of ownership over 12 or 24 months, not just the first month's rate.
Fizz works with a credit accumulation program. The longer you stay a customer, the more credits you earn that reduce your monthly bill directly. This approach is transparent and predictable: after a few months, your actual bill gradually drops. No mysteries, no one-time bonuses that disappear. It appeals to customers who plan their finances over the medium term.
Public Mobile rewards loyal customers with autumn discounts (Brave Autumn) and extra discounts sent by text to those who agree to manage their account via SMS. It's a participatory model: the less you ask for traditional support, the bigger the discounts grow. For a tech-savvy teen or professional, that's ideal. For a senior who prefers human service, it's less attractive.
Koodo uses a hybrid system: loyalty credit accumulation plus promotional offers tailored to your consumption profile. Koodo looks at your history (do you often need extra data? international minutes?) and proposes personalized discounts. This system rewards both the length of your membership and your engagement with certain services.
Switching cell carriers in Quebec is legally guaranteed: you can keep your phone number. However, the technical process and pitfalls vary depending on whether you're leaving Fizz, Public Mobile, or Koodo. Understanding the procedure will save you a week without a phone or hidden fees.
If you leave Fizz for Public Mobile or Koodo, you keep your 514, 450, 819, or any other Quebec number. The transfer is free and takes about 24 to 48 hours. Before you go, make sure your Fizz account has no unpaid balance and your credentials are up to date. No mandatory notice binds you: Fizz contracts are month-to-month and cancelable with no fees.
The reverse works the same way. Public Mobile and Koodo impose no notice period; your contracts are month-to-month. You keep your number by requesting a free transfer from the new provider (Fizz). Again, it takes a few days. The only risk: if you had a main Telus plan (Bell, Rogers) and a subsidized phone tied to a 2-year contract, that's different—but Public Mobile and Koodo don't offer that kind of subsidy, so you're free.
To transfer your number, have your account number, PIN (if you've set one up), and ID handy. Some carriers ask for a transfer authorization letter. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) oversees this process. Check the destination provider's official website for exact timelines and procedures, which may change.
A crucial and often misunderstood point: what happens to your unused data at the end of the month? Some plans lose it, others carry it over. And if you travel or mostly use Wi-Fi, do you really need a heavy plan? This section helps you choose based on your actual consumption.
Fizz generally offers a data allowance with no automatic rollover: if you use only 8 GB of your included 10 GB, the remaining 2 GB disappear at midnight on the last day of your cycle. That may seem unfair, but Fizz makes up for it with lower base prices and a rewards program that lowers your overall bill. If you're a light, consistent user (same consumption each month), this system works for you.
Koodo lets you carry over unused data for up to 12 months after it's added to your account. That's a major asset for teleworkers, students whose usage varies by semester, or travellers who use more data some months. You have a safety net: if you sign up for 15 GB but use only 12 this month, the extra 3 GB adds to your reserves for next month or an unexpected trip.
Public Mobile adjusts its terms regularly, including data policy. Before you subscribe, check their site directly to confirm whether rolled-over, lost, or unlimited data is included in your plan. The text-message management system makes updates less visible than a traditional web interface, which is why reading the fine print matters.
For someone living in a Montreal studio with free Wi-Fi at work, school, and home, a 2 to 5 GB plan is more than enough. Fizz and Public Mobile offer this kind of ultra-light plan at unbeatable prices. Koodo too, but its rollover advantage is less useful if your consumption never varies.
All three brands have chosen the digital model: no physical stores, no traditional phone support. But the level of human support available differs, and it's crucial if you're a senior or prefer talking to someone when problems arise. Check where each one draws the line between chatbot and real agent.
Fizz offers online chat and a comprehensive knowledge base on its site. During business hours (usually 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), you can chat with a Fizz agent in near-real time. Wait times vary, especially during peaks (Monday morning, Friday evening). For urgent questions outside hours, chat may show a wait time of an hour or more. No traditional phone support is offered.
Public Mobile relies on self-management via text and a vibrant community forum where other customers (and Telus moderators) answer questions. If you have an emergency at 2 a.m., you might find an answer in the forum, but no Telus agent will call you back. Public Mobile offers chat during business hours, but it's the weak link among the three for immediate human support.
Koodo offers chat available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. That's a major advantage over Fizz and Public Mobile. Plus, some retail locations (Best Buy, Rogers, etc.) offer in-store Koodo support in Quebec, though not at an exclusive shop. If responsive customer service is a priority, Koodo wins this round.
All three offer support in French and English. However, if you're a senior or an immigrant without strong digital skills, the lack of phone support guarantees a learning curve. Koodo remains the most accessible thanks to its 24/7 chat and occasional retail locations. For a grandparent who refuses the internet, none of these three brands is ideal—you'd need to explore Bell, Rogers, or Telus directly.
Each profile has different needs. This section helps you identify which trio fits your real situation, with concrete cases based on common Quebec realities in 2026.
A 16-year-old living in Montréal, with Wi-Fi at home and school, but wanting TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat all the time. Best choice: Public Mobile. The minimalist approach and autumn discounts target this profile exactly. Tech-savvy teens love managing plans via text. An 8 to 12 GB plan with data rollover would be ideal, but verify current terms. Total cost after loyalty discounts: a few dozen dollars a month.
A 70-year-old retiree in Québec, using his phone mainly to call kids, occasional texts, and weather checks. Stable Wi-Fi at home. Best choice: Koodo. The 24/7 chat and less austere interfaces make the experience less intimidating. A plan with a few GB of data will suffice. Koodo also lets you contact them humanely if his plan has an issue. Cost: a few dollars to about $15 a month depending on usage.
A couple with two kids (12 and 16), living in Laval. Both parents work and kids need data for school. Everyone switches networks at different times. Best choice: Koodo with individual month-to-month plans. Data rollover absorbs monthly swings (vacation months = more data). Koodo loyalty discounts stack on each line. Parents stay in control via the web interface. Total cost: roughly the cost of a Big 3 (Bell/Rogers/Telus main) family plan, but with more flexibility.
A professional constantly on the move, streaming video, video calls, hybrid work between Montréal and Gatineau. Need a true unlimited plan or at least a very heavy one (50+ GB). Best choice: Koodo. Fizz and Public Mobile generally don't offer true unlimited plans, just high tiers. Koodo covers this segment with robust plans. Telus coverage, stronger when travelling across Canada, is a plus. Cost: a few hundred dollars a month.
A resident of Saint-Félicien in the Mauricie or Rimouski, needing reliable 4G coverage for work or family. Unreliable Wi-Fi. Best choice: it depends on local coverage. Test. Consult the official Vidéotron (Fizz) and Telus (Public Mobile/Koodo) coverage maps for your exact postal code. Vidéotron may be better near Trois-Rivières or Québec; Telus more reliable in Gaspésie. Ask other local residents before you commit.
Two key periods to save in 2026: Black Friday (late November) and Boxing Day/January (late December and January). Cell promotions vary wildly, and it's easy to get trapped by an offer that sounds incredible but hides fees. Here's how to navigate wisely.
Black Friday is mainly for electronics (phones, tablets). If you're buying a new device, that's the time: discounts on flagship phones can be substantial. However, watch out: the three brands (Fizz, Public Mobile, Koodo) don't subsidize phones directly like Bell or Rogers. You buy the phone separately (Best Buy, Amazon, Apple Store) and use your cell discount to pay the plan. Check aubaine.ca's featured promotions during Black Friday to spot real phone discounts versus false savings.
Boxing Day and January see rebounds in plan discounts themselves. Fizz, Public Mobile, and Koodo often launch welcome offers or extra credits in January to attract customers who've promised themselves a change in the new year. It's also when traditional flyers (if you check them in-store) highlight special plans. Use this week's flyers to spot official announcements.
The Reebee and Flipp apps let you browse digital flyers from every Quebec retailer. While cell plans aren't always heavily advertised in flyers, you'll often find subsidized phones at Best Buy, Costco, or Walmart—which may partner with Fizz, Koodo, or Public Mobile for combo deals. Cross-reference aubaine.ca with Reebee/Flipp for a complete view of available discounts during Black Friday and Boxing Day.
Pitfall 1: Time-limited credits. A $50 credit offered in January often expires after 60 days. Check the expiry date before accepting the offer. Pitfall 2: Temporary plan. Some promos give a reduced rate for the first 3 months, then it jumps. Calculate the full annual cost, not just the first 3 months. Pitfall 3: Switching fees. While theoretically free, some third-party sites charge a "service" fee to transfer your number. Always use the official provider website (fizz.ca, publicmobile.ca, koodo.com) to avoid these middlemen.
Families who plan purchases around flyers and discount periods (Black Friday, Boxing Day) save $100 to $150 a month. For cell plans, apply this strategy: wait for January or late November, compare all three brands, and commit to the one offering the best price-to-coverage-to-service ratio for your profile. Once signed up, stay loyal for 6 to 12 months to benefit from loyalty rewards, which lower your bill even more.
Use the price comparison tool to track cell discounts all year, not just at key times. Sign up for relevant discount coupons and regularly check flyers from retailers offering plans or devices (Best Buy, Costco, Walmart). These free tools keep you informed effortlessly.
| Criteria | Fizz | Public Mobile | Koodo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network Infrastructure | Vidéotron (Quebec-focused) | Telus (pan-Canadian) | Telus (pan-Canadian) |
| Business Model | 100% online | 100% online | Online + occasional retail locations |
| Loyalty Program | Accumulated credits | Autumn discounts + SMS | Credits + personalized offers |
| Data Rollover | No (lost) | Verify | Yes (up to 12 months) |
| Customer Service | Chat during business hours | SMS + community forum | 24/7 chat |
| Best For | Urban Quebec user seeking clarity | Tech-savvy teen, minimalist | Families, seniors, travellers |
| Quebec Region | Vidéotron (Fizz) Coverage | Telus (Public Mobile/Koodo) Coverage | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montréal & Laval | Excellent 5G | Excellent 5G | Tie |
| Québec & area | Excellent | Excellent | Tie |
| Gatineau & Outaouais | Good | Very good pan-Canadian | Telus |
| Abitibi-Témiscamingue | Good Rouyn-Noranda area | Good + pan-Canadian corridors | Telus |
| Gaspésie & North Shore | Fair, dense in city | Good, more widespread | Telus |
| Cottages/rural resorts | Variable | Generally better | Telus |
Absolutely, yes. Number portability is guaranteed in Canada. You'll keep your 514, 450, 819, 581, or any other number. The process is free and takes about 24 to 48 hours. Just make sure your Bell/Rogers account has no unpaid balance before requesting the transfer.
They share the Telus network, but their service and loyalty models differ. Public Mobile targets minimalists: SMS-based management, discounts for self-service. Koodo offers a more traditional web interface, 24/7 chat, and more flexible offers. Public Mobile generally shows a lower base price, but Koodo wins on ease of use and human support.
Yes, in most Fizz plans, unused data isn't carried over and disappears at the end of your billing cycle. It's a trade-off: base prices at Fizz are lower than Koodo, but verify current terms when you sign up, as Fizz may adjust this policy.
It depends on your exact region. Check the official 4G/5G coverage maps from Vidéotron and Telus for your postal code. Vidéotron (Fizz) is often better near Québec and Trois-Rivières; Telus (Public Mobile/Koodo) covers remote areas better. Ask your neighbors which network they use—that's the best indicator.
Boxing Day and January generally offer extra credits and welcome offers. Black Friday is mainly for the phones themselves. Ideally, buy your phone at Black Friday (maximum discount) and activate it with your new provider in January when welcome credits are most generous.
In 2026, Fizz, Public Mobile, and Koodo offer solid alternatives to the Big 3 duopoly (Bell, Rogers, Telus direct). Each suits a different profile. Fizz for the urban Quebec user who values transparency. Public Mobile for the tech-savvy teen who wants nothing extra. Koodo for the family seeking flexibility, data rollover, and human support.
Before you commit, test network coverage in your area, compare current prices (in January or late November, at discount times), and read each brand's loyalty terms. Take advantage of local retailers offering bundled plans and check aubaine.ca regularly to track discounts all year. A good decision today will save you hundreds of dollars annually—and give you peace of mind knowing you have the right service for your needs.
💛 Our promise: helping you save. Despite all the care we put into tracking prices, we simply cannot guarantee they are accurate at all times — they come from flyers and merchants and can change without notice. Every week, we work to give you a fair and reliable picture so you can follow your products, spot real discounts and buy at the right time, at the best price. At aubaine.ca, every dollar saved matters: our mission is to hunt down the best deals for you. Always confirm the final price in store or with the merchant.
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