Important: As of February 22nd, 2022, United States (U.S.) carriers have started turning down certain 3G/HSPA networks. As a result, customers using U.S. roaming add-ons will be impacted by differences in coverage or service quality (including 9-1-1 calls) when roaming in the U.S. Customers may also experience changes to services such as welcome messages, voicemail notifications, usage notifications for voice, notifications when trying to make an international call, interactive voice responses (IVR), as well as the ability to set up voicemail while in the U.S. Please be aware that Alaska is considered an HSPA blackout zone, and roaming services there require a VoLTE-capable device for voice calling features. To avoid service disruptions, ensure that you are connected to the VoLTE network when you roam. Learn more about VoLTE here. This shutdown will not impact your service in Canada.

We offer U.S. Roaming add-ons with one service or a combination. All U.S. Roaming Add-Ons will last 15 days. To learn more about our US Roaming add-ons, click here.

Troubleshooting U.S. Roaming Add-Ons

I’m in the U.S. and cannot send any text messages, make calls, or use my data. What do I do?

Make sure you’ve added a roaming add-on that includes the service you are trying to use. You can verify what’s included in your add-on by logging into the Public Mobile app or My Account.

• For data issues, make sure your APN settings are correctly configured. Find out how to verify APN settings for Android or iPhone
• Make sure your mobile device has roaming enabled
• If these solutions don’t work, start a chat with the Chatbot. If additional support is needed, the Chatbot will guide you through submitting a ticket to a Customer Support Agent.

How do I enable roaming on my phone?

This is different on every phone. Here’s how to enable for iPhones and Androids:

How to enable roaming on an iPhone:

1. Select Settings > Cellular > move ‘Data Roaming’ to the ‘ON’ position.

How to enable roaming on Android:

1. Select Settings > Wireless & Networks > More > Mobile Networks
   • On some Android devices, you may need to choose ‘Battery & Data Manager’, and then ‘Data Delivery’
2. Add the check mark by the ‘Data Roaming’ option
   • On some phones, the option is called ‘Global Data Roaming Access’: choose it, and then choose ‘Enable Data Roaming Access’

Manually Selecting a Network While Roaming

If you're experiencing issues with roaming on your mobile device, manually selecting a network can often resolve these problems.

For Android:

1. Open the "Settings" app and tap on "Connections."
2. Scroll to and select "Mobile Networks," then tap "Network Operators."
3. Disable "Automatic Network Selection" and choose "Manual." Wait for the phone to search and display available networks.
4. Select the preferred roaming network from the list.

For iPhone:

1. Go to "Settings" and select "Mobile Data."
2. Tap "Network Selection" and switch off "Automatic" to see available networks.
3. Choose the network you wish to use from the available list.
4. Return to the home screen by pressing the Home button or swiping up, depending on your model.

By following these steps, you should be able to connect to the roaming network manually. If issues persist, consider restarting your device or contacting customer support for further assistance.

I can’t add a U.S. Roaming add-on to my account. What should I do?

If you’re not able to purchase an add-on in the Public Mobile app or in My Account, make sure your registered payment method is valid and in good standing. If it is and the issue persists, start a chat with the Chatbot. If additional support is needed, the Chatbot will guide you through submitting a ticket to a Customer Support Agent.

Will I receive incoming SMS while roaming in the US?

Yes, you will receive incoming SMS while you are roaming in the US for free. However, in order to respond to the SMS, you must have a US Roaming add-on which includes the SMS feature.

The US 3G/HSPA Network Shutdown

As of February 22, 2022, some U.S. carriers have started turning down their 3G/HSPA networks. Keep reading to learn more about how this will affect your Public Mobile roaming service in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands).

What Public Mobile services will be affected?

Today, customers are able to enjoy the combined coverage area of AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile 3G/HSPA networks when roaming in the U.S. Following the AT&T 3G/HSPA network shutdown on February 22, 2022, some customers with U.S. roaming add-ons traveling to the U.S. may experience differences in coverage for their voice calls, accessing voicemail and receiving notifications, text messages, data; or service quality (including 9-1-1 calls) when roaming in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands). Customers may also experience changes to services such as welcome messages, voicemail notifications, usage notifications for voice, notifications when trying to make an international call, interactive voice responses (IVR), as well as the ability to set up voicemail while in the U.S.

Can I continue to use my Public Mobile service in Canada?

Absolutely. The US 3G/HSPA network shutdowns will not impact your Public Mobile service in Canada.

Can I use Voice over Long-Term Evolution (VoLTE) roaming calling in the U.S.?

If you have a VoLTE capable device and you joined Public Mobile after February 22, 2023 you will have access to the Public Mobile network. If you joined earlier than February 22, 2023 you will be added to the VoLTE network over the coming months.