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2:18 pm
February 13, 2017
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Came across the following article from RFD about Ztar Mobile vs. Rogers regarding the impending 3G shutoff: https://www.iphoneincanada.ca/2025/06/18/crtc-asked-to-stop-rogers-from-cutting-off-ztar-mobile/
Should we worry? There's only a month left and there appears to be a big dispute between Ztar Mobile, parent company of Speakout, and Rogers. Speakout needs to inform users what will happen for those still using older phones. Looks like Rogers is arguing that Ztar has an outstanding debt and that they do not have an agreement moving forward to use their mobile network.
1:44 pm
September 7, 2016
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Thanks for posting this.
I don't know what to think about the outcome of the dispute.
With previous network upgrades I've already had an older phone bricked a couple of years ago - not looking forward to having to buy a new phone again
12:42 am
February 13, 2017
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I'm surprised not many people are talking about this. Ztar is being highly irresponsible here.
Here's another thread from RFD discussing Speakout and 3G: https://forums.redflagdeals.com/will-speakout-still-work-2025-no-3g-2725043/
One of the posters recommends porting out of Speakout soon before the impending July 31 deadline.
6:16 pm
August 8, 2025
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I could be wrong but,
The core issue isn't about the 4G data service itself, but about how voice calls are handled. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening:
Old System (Current): Speakout phone uses the Rogers 4G network for data (internet, apps). However, when you make or receive a voice call, your phone "falls back" and uses the older 3G network for the call.
The Big Change: When Rogers shuts down its 3G network on August 31, 2025, that "fallback" option for voice calls will disappear completely.
The Only Solution: The only way to make voice calls after the 3G shutdown is with a technology called VoLTE (Voice over LTE), which sends calls over the 4G network.
It would seem that Speakout and Rogers failed to reach a new agreement to enable VoLTE for Speakout customers. Without a way to handle voice calls, a mobile service cannot function. It would be nice to have a clear statement from either company about whether VoLTE for will be made available for Speakout customers in September.
Therefore, even though the 4G data network will still exist, the shutdown of the 3G network indirectly forces the termination of the entire Speakout service because it will lose its ability to provide voice calling. Final conclusion: the service is ending, and you must switch to a new provider. I definitely would not recommend Roger's.
10:17 am
September 7, 2016
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I have a substantial balance on my SpeakOut account so I'm going to wait and see. If I port out or if SpeakOut shuts down the result is the same - I lose the balance. Being without a cellphone for a few days while I switch to a new provider is not as much a problem for me as it will be for folks who depend on the service
I do agree it would be nice to have a clear statement from either company rather than all this uncertainty
1:21 pm
October 14, 2008
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If you have a 4G compatible phone, you will be fine, and there's nothing you have to do. If you have an older phone that can only access 3G, then you will have to get a 4G phone, or sign up with Lucky Mobile for the time being as stated on the official SpeakOut site.
3G will eventually phased out altogether, probably around October.
SpeakOut will be transitioning to a new network (Bell) shortly.
8:15 am
January 16, 2017
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Thanks for that clarification. There has been some wild speculation. If you have received that warning text, does that mean your phone and/or sim does not support 4G/VoLTE or is it just a blanket CYA on their part for all customers?
I have created a Lucky acct with a new number for my important stuff for now but I'm sitting tight on the Speakout account with my original number. See how it goes.
4:05 pm
February 13, 2017
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iamdrumming said
SpeakOut will be transitioning to a new network (Bell) shortly.
Are you basing this off of SO's partnership with Lucky for Rogers's 3G retirement? Or is there news somewhere stating that SO is moving to Bell?
Regardless, I believe they cannot keep the $25/yr top-up alive at this price point after the network move. All other competitors out there start at $99/yr for yearly top-ups. I would imagine at least a 2x-3x price increase in line with what Freedom, Chatr and Koodo are charging. Granted at that price point, Freedom/Chatr/Koodo are offering more, but here's to hoping that we can get a barebones yearly top-up option with SO at around a similar price point to what we are used to.
4:44 pm
August 13, 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions
Important Update: Network Changes and Free SIM Option with Lucky Mobile – Action will be needed by August 31, 2025. As part of a national modernization of wireless networks, the retirement of the 3G (HSPA) infrastructure will be starting August 31, 2025. This will affect SpeakOUT Wireless customers who rely on that network.
To help you stay connected with your current phone, we’ve partnered with Lucky Mobile to offer affected customers a free SIM card and an easy option to move to a new, reliable 4G LTE network. Visit Lucky Mobile to learn more about Lucky Mobile and how to activate your free SIM card.
