# EMSA vs Public Mobile

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.

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 October 17, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | EMSA | Public Mobile |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.5 (216 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/public-mobile/id1645306824/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **216** |
| Positive reviews | **50.0% of reviews** | 44.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 216 MB | 74 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 16.1 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MapGears inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1439850962) | [TELUS Communications Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1351428851) |

## What reviewers say

### EMSA

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/emsa-casm/id1562177562)

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.

**Highlights:** 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

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Public Mobile

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/public-mobile/id1645306824)

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.

**Highlights:** 5G subscription phone service, eSIM activation, Self-service account management, Plan usage tracking, Rewards program, Refer-a-friend savings, 24/7 online support

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Surprisingly good service
- 👍 Great app overall
- 👍 Good value for money
- 👍 Smooth and user-friendly
- 👍 Awesome, nothing to complain about

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Just a fake app
- 🔒 Never works properly
- 🔒 Access to support is appalling
- 🐛 Seriously garbage
- 🔒 Deal with care

**Reported bugs**

- Activation issues
- Logging in problems
- App crashes and freezes
- Unreliable service
- Billing and payment issues

**Requested features**

- Wifi calling
- Support for iPad/tablets
- Improve customer service access


## Frequently asked questions

### Is EMSA free?

EMSA is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Public Mobile free?

Public Mobile is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do EMSA or Public Mobile have ads?

Neither EMSA nor Public Mobile shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, EMSA or Public Mobile?

EMSA ships an update every 2 months, and Public Mobile every 3 weeks. Most recently, EMSA was updated on October 17, 2026 and Public Mobile on October 19, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*