EMSA vs Public Mobile
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
EMSA
Access near real-time information on maritime activities and geospatial data in Canadian waters. Contribute field data, create custom surveys, and view/edit observations with multimedia attachments. Supports online and offline use for enhanced marine safety and environmental protection.
- Create custom form surveys
- Access web-designed maps
- View, create, and edit observations
- Attach photos, audio, and video
- Locate and share location
- Record and share tracks
- Online and offline functionality
Read full descriptionHide full description
Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan aims to ensure that Canadian waters and coastlines remain safe and clean for both current and future generations. As part of this initiative, Transport Canada is funding the Enhanced Maritime Situational Awareness (EMSA-CASM) system. The EMSA-CASM system provides Indigenous and coastal communities, as well as other users, with near real-time information on maritime activities in Canadian waters, along with various geospatial data to support marine safety, environmental protection, maritime operations, and local knowledge. The EMSA-CASM Mobile Application allows users to access information and contribute field data to their community through mobile-enabled web applications according to their permissions. The Application offers the following features: • Allowing the creation of form surveys for their custom needs; • Allowing the access of maps designed on the web; • Viewing, creating, and editing observations with multiple attributes; • Attaching photos, audios and video to observations; • Locating themselves and sharing their location; • Recording their tracks and sharing them; • Working both online and offline. The contributions made by users are synchronized with the EMSA-CASM server and can be shared with other stakeholders.
Public Mobile
This app offers a 5G wireless subscription service with self-service account management. Activate your service, manage plans, track usage, and earn rewards. Get 24/7 online support for all your mobile needs.
- 5G subscription phone service
- eSIM activation
- Self-service account management
- Plan usage tracking
- Rewards program
- Refer-a-friend savings
- 24/7 online support
Read full descriptionHide full description
Welcome to different. Public Mobile is a wireless subscription service that does mobility differently. Sign up for Canada's first 5G subscription phone service in a few simple steps. With the Public Mobile app, you're in control. Activate in minutes with eSIM along with an eSIM compatible device and choose from 5G speed plans and unlimited data on Canada's largest network. Manage your own account with easy, self-service features in the app. Just like your other subscription services set it and forget it. Download the Public Mobile app for free to get started. Subscribe with a few quick clicks in the app: • Select and activate your subscription • Save with a 90 day subscription • Purchase and activate your eSIM or SIM card • You can keep your phone number when you subscribe to Public Mobile. Manage your plan anywhere, anytime with My Account: • Manage your subscription • Track your plan usage • Purchase add-ons Earn points that save you money with our Rewards program: • Check rewards balance • Redeem your points • Refer-a-friend to share savings Skip the wait time with 24/7 online solutions: • Access virtual support at your fingertips • Find answers and ask questions Download the Public Mobile App now. Learn more at publicmobile.ca
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is monetization model: EMSA at free against Public Mobile's free with in-app purchases. EMSA also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.1). Public Mobile's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
EMSA ships an update every 2 months, Public Mobile every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | EMSA | Public Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 4.5 (216 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews — better | 44.7% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 216 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 3 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 16.1 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 216 MB | 74 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | MapGears inc. | TELUS Communications Inc. |
Customer experience
EMSA
Public Mobile
Bugs and requests
EMSA
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
Public Mobile
Reported bugs
5 issues- Activation issues
- Logging in problems
- App crashes and freezes
- Unreliable service
- Billing and payment issues
Requested features
3 requests- Wifi calling
- Support for iPad/tablets
- Improve customer service access
In-app purchases
EMSA
No in-app purchases
Public Mobile
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is EMSA free?
Is Public Mobile free?
Do EMSA or Public Mobile have ads?
Which is updated more often, EMSA or Public Mobile?
Other comparisons















