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Identification Documents
Introduction To Phone Plans: Toronto Edition
In Canada, there are two main types of phone plans: contract plans and prepaid plans. If you’re new to the country, it’s often a good idea to start with a prepaid plan for your first month. This gives you time to compare different contract options and choose the best one without feeling rushed.
Why Prepaid is a Good Choice
Prepaid plans are recommended for newcomers because they are flexible. You pay in advance and there is no long-term commitment. This means you’re not stuck in a contract, which can be hard to cancel.
On the other hand, contract plans are long-term and might offer discounts on phones, but they can be harder to change once you sign up. So, for the first month, a prepaid plan is easier and lets you decide later if you want a contract.
Prepaid vs. Contract Plans: Key Differences
- Payment Structure:
- Prepaid: You pay in advance. Once your balance runs out, you top it up to continue using the service.
- Contract: You sign an agreement for 1-2 years and pay a fixed monthly fee.
- Flexibility:
- Prepaid: More flexible. You can switch plans or carriers anytime.
- Contract: Less flexible. Cancelling a contract can cost you money.
- Credit Check:
- Prepaid: No credit check is needed. Anyone can get a prepaid plan.
- Contract: Usually requires a credit check. Good credit can get you better terms.
- Device Cost:
- Prepaid: You buy your phone at full price.
- Contract: You may get a discount or even a free phone, but you pay higher monthly fees.
- Monthly Costs:
- Prepaid: Usually cheaper since you only pay for what you use.
- Contract: More expensive because of phone subsidies and extra features.
- Data and Usage:
- Prepaid: Limited data based on your plan, but you can buy more if needed.
- Contract: Often includes more data or even unlimited plans.
- Upgrades:
- Prepaid: You have to buy a new phone yourself when you want an upgrade.
- Contract: You can often upgrade your phone during your contract, sometimes at a discount.
SpeakOut Phone from 7-Eleven
SpeakOut is a prepaid phone plan offered by 7-Eleven stores, starting at just $25 per month. It's an affordable and convenient option, especially for newcomers to Toronto. One of the biggest advantages is that you don’t need to sign a contract, and it’s easy to set up. You can purchase SpeakOut plans at any 7-Eleven store in the city, making it a hassle-free solution for your communication needs.
Why Choose SpeakOut?
- No Commitments: With SpeakOut, you pay as you go. No long-term contracts mean you have flexibility and control.
- No Credit Checks: Anyone can get a plan, regardless of their credit history.
- Affordable: Prices start at $25 per month, with no extra system access fees.
- Long-Lasting Airtime: Airtime lasts for 365 days, which is the longest in Canada.
- Free Services: You get free incoming texts and three-way calling.
- Great Coverage: SpeakOut offers strong coverage across Canada.
For a limited time, you can get $25 off any phone when you purchase a $50 top-up, making it even more affordable.
Prepaid vs. Contract Phones: What’s the Difference?
If you're deciding between a prepaid or contract phone plan, here’s a quick comparison:
- Payment: Prepaid plans require payment upfront for the services you use, while contract plans lock you into a monthly fee for 1–2 years.
- Flexibility: Prepaid plans give you the freedom to switch carriers anytime, while contract plans usually charge an early termination fee if you cancel before the contract ends.
- Credit Check: Prepaid plans don’t require a credit check, making them accessible to everyone. Contract plans often need a credit check and might offer better deals to those with good credit.
- Device Costs: With prepaid plans, you buy the phone outright. Contract plans sometimes offer phones at a lower cost or even for free, but this can result in higher monthly fees.
If you’re new to Canada, it’s a good idea to start with a prepaid plan like SpeakOut. This gives you time to decide if you want to switch to a contract plan without being tied down to one immediately.
For more prepaid options, you can also explore Lucky Mobile, which offers plans starting as low as $15 a month.
Lucky Mobile Prepaid Plans
Lucky Mobile offers some of the cheapest prepaid phone plans in Toronto. Here are some options:
- $15/month: 100 minutes of calls and 250 MB of 3G data.
- $25/month: Unlimited calls and 1 GB of 3G data.
- $30/month: Unlimited calls and 1 GB of 4G data.
- $35/month: Unlimited calls and 5 GB of 3G data.
How to Get a Lucky Mobile SIM Card
There are two ways to get a Lucky Mobile SIM card:
- Online
- eSIM (Free): Only works with newer phones like iPhone XS or later, Google Pixel 3 or later, and Samsung Galaxy S21 or later. You will need your phone’s IMEI number (15 digits), which you can find in your phone’s settings. After entering your IMEI number on the Lucky Mobile website, you can activate your eSIM for free.
- Physical SIM Card ($10): You can order a SIM card online, and it will be delivered in 3-5 business days.
- Buy in Stores
- You can also buy a Lucky Mobile SIM card at retail stores. This is the fastest way if you don’t want to wait for delivery. You can find stores near you that sell Lucky Mobile SIM cards by searching online.
How to Activate Your SIM Card
Once you have your SIM card (eSIM or physical), you need to activate it. To activate:
- Enter your SIM card number (you’ll find it on the back of the card).
- Choose a plan that suits you.
- Make the payment for your first month.
After that, you’re all set to use your Lucky Mobile plan!