Public Mobile roaming 👎

[azrivest]

If any are interested, here's my experience...

We just came back from an 11-night trip to WDW. We bought Public Mobile's US Roaming Data option for 20$/1 Go and Unlimited text for 8$

The data option was a complete waste of money. The speed was so slow that I never managed to use MDE without being on the Disney WiFi. The app wouldn't let me refresh the tip board if I was on the data network only.

For example, I was at the 11am mark on the dot one day when we were about to enter a ride building. I had to stay outdoors or I couldn't have booked a second G+ selection.

At least the text option worked fine

 

[pigletto]

Uh oh . That’s what I have and it’s a great service for me here .
I wonder what I could get instead. I better figure it out. Thanks for the heads up !

 

[Cottager]

I wonder if this has something to do with it (from Public Mobile website):

Important: As of February 22nd, 2022, some United States (U.S) carriers will begin turning down certain 3G/HSPA networks in the U.S. As a result, some customers using U.S. roaming add-ons may be impacted by differences in coverage or service quality (including 9-1-1 calls) when roaming in the U.S.

 

[CanucksRock]

The coverage sucks in general in show buildings no matter your cell service provider. I usually try the wifi. Even then that’s sketchy. I have Public Mobile, but I use Airalo eSIM for data when in the US. I just pay the $8 for calling if I need it (generally I don’t)

 

[pigletto]

The coverage sucks in general in show buildings no matter your cell service provider. I usually try the wifi. Even then that’s sketchy. I have Public Mobile, but I use Airalo eSIM for data when in the US. I just pay the $8 for calling if I need it (generally I don’t)

Can you explain this a little more for me? Where do you get the sim ?

ETA .. I just googled and found the website. So I can just order that off the website and it will give me data? I used to use Roam mobility and it was a physical Sim I would exchange for the one in my phone while I was there and it gave me a new number. Same idea ?

 

[CanucksRock]

Can you explain this a little more for me? Where do you get the sim ?

ETA .. I just googled and found the website. So I can just order that off the website and it will give me data? I used to use Roam mobility and it was a physical Sim I would exchange for the one in my phone while I was there and it gave me a new number. Same idea ?

It’s a not Physical Sim, it’s eSIM so your phone has to support eSIM (i.e. iPhone XS and higher)

Only provides Data. Not calling or regular SMS (can use iMessage just fine). You can get data for as low as $4.50/gb. For a week long trip I generally get the $11/3 GB. I first tried them out in Jan 2020 - I had a Roam SIM at the time but ran out of Data. Then Roam went out of business. So I have just used Airalo since.

I don’t find I need SMS (I can still receive SMS without having a plan) or calling. So I only add those thru Public Mobile if really needed. Can use Airalo for Data, Public for Voice Line/SMS at same time.

Airalo in Orlando connects to AT&T or T-Mobile. One quirk - the eSIM must be through Singapore - as Tik Tok does not work when it’s turned on. I have to turn off the eSIM to watch Tik Tok (on Wi-Fi)

Personal Hot Spot works with Airalo.

 

[pigletto]

It’s a not Physical Sim, it’s eSIM so your phone has to support eSIM (i.e. iPhone XS and higher)

Only provides Data. Not calling or regular SMS (can use iMessage just fine). You can get data for as low as $4.50/gb. For a week long trip I generally get the $11/3 GB. I first tried them out in Jan 2020 - I had a Roam SIM at the time but ran out of Data. Then Roam went out of business. So I have just used Airalo since.

I don’t find I need SMS (I can still receive SMS without having a plan) or calling. So I only add those thru Public Mobile if really needed. Can use Airalo for Data, Public for Voice Line/SMS at same time.

Airalo in Orlando connects to AT&T or T-Mobile. One quirk - the eSIM must be through Singapore - as Tik Tok does not work when it’s turned on. I have to turn off the eSIM to watch Tik Tok (on Wi-Fi)

Personal Hot Spot works with Airalo.

This was so helpful. Thank you very much! I have the XR so I’m good there. Like you said people can imessage me or I will add the public mobile calling option if I need to. I‘ll try it out for my May trip.

 

[EddieValiant]

I wonder if this has something to do with it (from Public Mobile website):

Important: As of February 22nd, 2022, some United States (U.S) carriers will begin turning down certain 3G/HSPA networks in the U.S. As a result, some customers using U.S. roaming add-ons may be impacted by differences in coverage or service quality (including 9-1-1 calls) when roaming in the U.S.

I'm an AT&T user in the States. AT&T shut their 3G down on that date. TMobile still has their 3G, but its on high frequencies (1900 mhz and 2100 mhz) and doesn't penetrate buildings very well. There probably isn't even much 3G in the parks.

Make sure your roaming plan or roaming provider is on LTE, and it will need to support VoLTE if you need to make phone calls once 3G is fully gone. Go with anyone that roams on AT&T, they're the offical wireless sponsor of Disney World.

Also another little trick you should look into because I know how expensive wireless is in Canada; AT&T prepaid has no limits on usage in Canada!

.

 

[azrivest]

I'm an AT&T user in the States. AT&T shut their 3G down on that date. TMobile still has their 3G, but its on high frequencies (1900 mhz and 2100 mhz) and doesn't penetrate buildings very well. There probably isn't even much 3G in the parks.

Make sure your roaming plan or roaming provider is on LTE, and it will need to support VoLTE if you need to make phone calls once 3G is fully gone. Go with anyone that roams on AT&T, they're the offical wireless sponsor of Disney World.

Also another little trick you should look into because I know how expensive wireless is in Canada; AT&T prepaid has no limits on usage in Canada!

.

I thought it'd be gradual after Feb 22 but that must explain it.

Public Mobile caps its data at 3G speeds.

 

[a_dis]

It’s a not Physical Sim, it’s eSIM so your phone has to support eSIM (i.e. iPhone XS and higher)

Only provides Data. Not calling or regular SMS (can use iMessage just fine). You can get data for as low as $4.50/gb. For a week long trip I generally get the $11/3 GB. I first tried them out in Jan 2020 - I had a Roam SIM at the time but ran out of Data. Then Roam went out of business. So I have just used Airalo since.

I don’t find I need SMS (I can still receive SMS without having a plan) or calling. So I only add those thru Public Mobile if really needed. Can use Airalo for Data, Public for Voice Line/SMS at same time.

Airalo in Orlando connects to AT&T or T-Mobile. One quirk - the eSIM must be through Singapore - as Tik Tok does not work when it’s turned on. I have to turn off the eSIM to watch Tik Tok (on Wi-Fi)

Personal Hot Spot works with Airalo.

Would you recommend T-Mobile or AT&T for networks?

 

[mort1331]

We used roam for many years..no issues but they are no more...trying a tmobile sim cardnfor Hawaii next week...unlimited high speed...let you know

 

[von Monster]

Public Mobile caps its data at 3G speeds.

But that's a throttled speed cap, not network type so irrelevant here. If you use PM you are still connected to LTE if available the speed if just rate limited.

Odd as I've used PM roaming all over FL (and most of the US at some point) and never had an issue. Do agree that if you need data an Airalo eSIM is significantly less expensive.