SpeakOut wireless, other MVNOs struggle with Rogers amid 3G shutdown

The 3G network shutdown has even more repercussions than we thought, as wireless mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) who utilize Rogers’ infrastructure are also facing issues with the sunset of the older network.

Below is a list of MVNO carriers that run on Rogers’ cell networks. If your carrier is on this list and you have an old phone or a device you bought in another country, you might have issues making calls when Rogers shuts down its 3G network in 2025. In our prior reporting, you can learn more about what phones are compatible with the 3G shutdown.

One of the core issues with Rogers and its MVNOs is that Ztar Wireless, the owner of SpeakOut and Good2Go, is currently fighting with Rogers. Because of that battle, the MVNO company seems to be trying to move customers to Bell’s networks instead.

SpeakOut Wireless

The MVNO that runs out of 7-Eleven stores in Canada is currently in some form of dispute with Rogers, so it’s a little unclear. However, the best we can gather from online discussions amongst SpeakOut subscribers is that anyone with a phone that supports VoLTE will be fine. Older devices that only use 3G must migrate to a different carrier.

You can check out the carrier’s blog post and FAQs about the shutdown. 

It’s also worth highlighting that if you have a pre-paid balance that you won’t be able to use before the network shutdown, you won’t be able to transfer it anywhere else.

Good2Go Wireless

Like SpeakOut, this carrier is owned by Ztar Wireless, which has a deal to use Rogers’ networks. This means customers with modern VoLTE phones should be fine, but anyone still using 3G for data and calls will start to be phased out. You can learn more about the shutdown on the carrier’s website.

Red Wireless

This network, previously known as Zoomer Wireless, is primarily targeted at retired Canadians and runs on Rogers’ infrastructure. If you are a Red Wireless user with an old phone or a phone from another country, you may have issues connecting to the VoLTE network to make calls when the 3G network finally goes away by the end of the year.

Your best options if you need to change plans?

Unfortunately, this will be the time for many with an older phone to upgrade. To do this with minimal hurdles, make sure you try to buy a phone that was sold by a Canadian retailer at some point in the last four to five years.

If you don’t want a new phone, we recommend lower-cost plans from Freedom and Public Mobile. That being said, Freedom is also affected by the 3G shutdown, and Public Mobile will eventually face its own shutdown when Telus shutters 3G starting at the end of 2025.

If you need to be on Rogers’ network, Chatr is likely your cheapest option, but you will still need to make sure you have a phone that supports VoLTE.