SpeakOut

Notable Features

• No Contracts: Since everything is prepaid there are no worries about extra fees or long commitments.
• Long Expirations: Many prepaid carriers require you to top-up monthly or every 90 days to keep your credits. SpeakOut credits don’t expire for a year. This means fewer worries about expiration.
• Free Incoming Texts: As long as you have activated service, you can receive texts. This makes it great for emergency contacts.

Awards and Recognitions

• SpeakOut currently has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau with 1 complaint closed in the past 3 years.

How’s the Network Coverage and Speed?

SpeakOut uses the Rogers 3G and HSPA+ networks to provide service. Since this is only a part of the Rogers’ network, this makes assessing speeds tricky. Forum posts also indicate that speeds for SpeakOut are worse in areas of heavy network congestion as Rogers often prioritizes their own subscribers over SpeakOut.

You can check coverage and network types in your area at the SpeakOut support page.

The 2016 PC Magazine study “Fastest Mobile Networks in Canada,” showed download speeds for the Rogers network averaging 43Mb/sec and upload speeds averaging 22Mb/sec.

However, these speeds are likely drastically slower on SpeakOut as their network doesn’t offer 4G LTE access.

Do They Charge Roaming Fees?

All bundles and top-ups include coverage from coast to coast. You won’t pay roaming fees for domestic calls.

SpeakOut does not support international roaming. If you have an unlocked phone, you should consider a travel SIM or pick up a prepaid SIM at your destination for optimal savings.

What About Long Distance Fees?

If you’re calling outside your province using SpeakOut, you should consider a 30-day Value Plan. These plans include calls to any landline or mobile in Canada at the same rate as a local call.

For pay-as-you-go calling, long-distance calls are billed at $0.45 per minute.

International long distance rates vary by destination. At the time of writing, SpeakOut did not list rates on their website and recommends calling customer care for more information.

Does SpeakOut Offer Wi-Fi Calling?

No. SpeakOut does not support native Wi-Fi calling or offer a Wi-Fi calling app.

How About Voice over LTE (VoLTE)?

No.

Can I Tether My Phone?

There is no mention of tethering in the Terms of Use for SpeakOut. However, many posts on the SpeakOut forum indicate it is possible.

Laptops, tablets and other devices will likely use more data than your phone would. Combine this with the low data caps from SpeakOut and we highly recommend monitoring your usage closely if tethering to avoid any surprises.

Do They Offer Data Rollover?

No, SpeakOut does not offer any form of data rollover.

Do They Offer Add-ons or Bundles?

Yes! SpeakOut offers a few options for customizing your plan.

Popular choices include:

• Global long distance discounts for $1.99 per month
• 100MB of data for $10
• Unlimited texting for $10

You can find out more about Global Long Distance on their Prepaid Cell Phone Plans & Add-ons page.

Can I Bring My Own Device?

Yes! SpeakOut supports most unlocked phones that can use the 800 and 1900mhz bands. Many Rogers phones will also work with SpeakOut without unlocking.

You can find additional information on their FAQ page.

Do They Require A Contract?

No. As all services are prepaid, you are free to quit using the service at any time.

What About Activation and SIM Fees?

SpeakOut doesn't charge activation fees.

However, to bring your own phone or tablet, you'll need a SpeakOut SIM.

SIM kits cost $10 and are available online and at 7eleven locations.

For more information, consult their FAQ page.

NOTE: Fees often differ between retail stores and websites. Be sure to check both before signing up or adding a line to your account to maximize savings.

What About Early Termination Fees?

No. Without a contract or device financing option, there are no worries about fees if you cancel.

Can I Port My Number To or From SpeakOut?

SpeakOut follows all Wireless Number Portability guidelines allowing you to transfer your number from an existing landline or mobile line to your new SpeakOut line of service.

Requirements are as follows:

• The account from which you are transferring the number must be assigned to the same name and address as your SpeakOut account.
• The account you’re transferring from must be in good standing--including payment of any fees resulting from the porting of the number.
• The number you’re transferring must be local to your service area.

To start the process, use their Switch to SpeakOut page.

Will They Unlock My Phone?

Yes! According to CRTC Wireless Code regulations effective December 2017, they must unlock your phone free of charge upon request. If you received a subsidy on your phone, you must wait 90 days before unlocking your phone.

At the time of writing, the SpeakOut website does not offer information on unlocking your phone. However, this might be due to the small selection of devices sold in their store.

Their forums include multiple posts about unlocking past SpeakOut phone models.

For additional questions about SpeakOut pricing, features, and coverage, be sure to check out our SpeakOut Q&A Forum. It’s filled with questions and answers from people like you looking to get the most out of their mobile service!

If you spot any errors or missing information, please let us know! It's appreciated and will help make this page better for everyone.