Rogers Communications has been ordered to pay a $15-million fine by Canada’s Competition Bureau related to an “Infinite” cell phone plan.
Rogers Communications has been ordered to pay a $15-million penalty over how it advertised an “Infinite” wireless phone plan.
In a statement on Wednesday, a Competition Bureau official said the case against the Canadian telecom giant alleged that it “engaged in deceptive marketing by advertising its Infinite wireless plans as offering unlimited data despite a significant reduction in speed after using a set amount.”
Rogers to charge new fee for bills paid by credit card, says practice is 'increasingly common'Canada’s competition watchdog announced in December 2024 its plan to take “legal action” by filing an application with the Competition Tribunal against Rogers over the issue, alleging false advertising.
“Today, the Competition Tribunal released its decision in the Bureau’s case against Rogers, and ordered the company to pay a $15-million penalty in connection with the marketing of its Infinite wireless plans,” Jeanne Pratt, interim commissioner of competition, stated in a news release on Wednesday.
In a response posted on its website, Rogers said the company stands behind its advertising, and is “considering next steps.”
“These plans are commonplace in the industry, and reflected a significant and positive development for consumers and small businesses,” Rogers stated.
According to a 2024 filing with the Competition Tribunal, the Commissioner of Competition was seeking a $135 million penalty from Rogers.
The Competition Tribunal plans to release its full case within 10 business days.
Rogers Communications is set to roll out a new 1.6 per cent ‘processing charge’ starting on Jan. 17, 2027, for both auto-pay and one-time credit card payments. ‘The charge applies every time you pay your Rogers bill with a credit card,’ the telecom giant says on its website.
In addition to the eight-figure penalty announced on Wednesday, Rogers is ordered to pay the bureau’s legal costs and publish a corrective notice.
“Canadians rely on accurate and truthful information when choosing essential services such as wireless plans,” Pratt stated in Wednesday’s news release.
“Misleading advertising can distort consumer choice, erode confidence in the marketplace and disadvantage businesses that compete fairly.”
Last week, Toronto-based Rogers reported sales for the three months ended Sept. 30 topped $5.44 billion, up two per cent year over year.
The company recently announced a new fee will kick in next year for customers who pay their bill with a credit card.
source & photo: CBC
