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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.
6:51 am
August 25, 2025
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Speakout has no SIM card for sale, isn't that a bad sign?
12:05 pm
September 7, 2016
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eMail from SpeakOut today
Don’t Lose Your Number – Free SIM Options Available
SpeakOut Wireless is upgrading to a new 4G VoLTE network with better coverage, faster data speeds, and improved rates. To keep your phone number active, you need to take action.
Here are your options:
Option 1 – Switch to Lucky Mobile (Recommended if you want to keep your current phone)
Keep your current 3G phone and your phone number
Enjoy coast-to-coast coverage and affordable plans
Receive a FREE Lucky Mobile SIM card with FREE shipping
Learn More & Switch to LuckyOption 2 – Stay with SpeakOut (Requires a 4G VoLTE phone)
Upgrade to a 4G VoLTE-compatible phone (most newer iPhones, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and other LTE Band 2, 4, 7, 66 models with VoLTE)
Pick up your FREE SpeakOut migration SIM at 7-Eleven stores starting the week of September 8, 2025
More details on new plans will be shared soon by email
Already have a 4G VoLTE-compatible phone? GREAT! Pick up your FREE migration SIM in stores starting the week of September 8!Important: SpeakOut is not going out of business — but you must choose one of these options to keep your number active. If no action is taken, your phone number will eventually be lost.
Thank you for being a valued SpeakOut Wireless customer.
— The SpeakOut Wireless Team
12:33 pm
September 7, 2016
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As of today both my Samsung phones are still working and showing a 3G connection. No updates at all on the SpeakOut website, just conversations with customer service posted by individuals to various forums.
6:33 am
January 16, 2017
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Mine continues to work as of Sep 4. A question about the sims that will be available after Sep 8: if you have a newer 3-in-1 sim (obtained last year), do you need this new sim or is that just for folks who have a very much older sim. Is the network changing fundamentally so that everyone needs a new sim?
7:27 am
September 7, 2016
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I think you should be OK but this is only based on posts on RedFlag that SIMs above 89302720414 will work and has not been verified on the SpeakOut website.
Both my Samsung phones are still showing UMTS
1:06 pm
January 16, 2017
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I got my new SIM at my local 7-Eleven (Toronto) today. I plugged it in and the phone immediately says LTE now where it didn't with the old sim, which wasn't that old.
When I try to do the sim swap online, it is not working. It flags the new SIM card number, but I don't think that is the problem. I'm wondering if it is because I registered the SO account 10 years ago with a phone with a different IMEI. I'm plugging in the IMEI of the phone I plan to use with the new SIM. I tried calling the help number, but they are inundated with calls about everything just now, forget about getting help there. What else might be wrong with what I am trying?
When they ask for the current IMEI do they mean the IMEI of the old, registered phone?
1:19 pm
August 25, 2025
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Did you have to pay for the SIM?
1:29 pm
September 7, 2016
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From the RFD forums
Can't activate new Sims yet, online via replace sim option, or even when calling them. They said they should have that sorted within the next week or two...so these news Sims are useless until they sort that out. These start with 891223.
1:33 pm
January 16, 2017
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No, it was free. The fella behind the counter knew about it all. It looks just like a regular Speakout SIM. The package has warnings about needing an unlocked phone, 4G LTE capability with bands 2,4,7 and 66 plus VoLTE to use the service.
It tells you to activate online. I have swapped sims before so I know the procedure. This time it does not seem to recognize the 20 digit sim number from the new card. I wonder if they haven't updated a database online for this new batch yet.
1:35 pm
January 16, 2017
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Thanks for that! Thought I was screwing up. At any rate, it looks like the new cards are LTE and work in old marginal phones like my S9+.
5:16 pm
January 3, 2022
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Old SIMs began with 89302 (Rogers).
Newest ones are 89122 (Telus).
They'll need some time to get the new SIMs out to anyone that didn't port out to another provider, and to get both of their systems set up to recognize the new ones.
