Certain Rogers mobile customers will see an uptick in their wireless plan costs this year. Rogers Communications confirmed to Global News that it will raise prices on select plans and bundles starting this month, affecting both Rogers and Fido customers not under contract. The adjusted rates will average an increase of $5 per month, with affected customers witnessing the changes on bills after January 17.
In a statement, Rogers justified the move by emphasizing its commitment to delivering mobile services of the highest quality and reliability. The company cited the need for increased capacity to ensure consistent service, expansion into more communities, and enhancements to customer service tools.
However, Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne criticized the price hikes, stating that they contradict the government’s efforts to alleviate financial burdens on Canadians. Champagne urged companies and carriers to prioritize customers over profits during these challenging times.
Notably, Quebecor Inc. declared a price freeze for its customers under the Freedom Mobile, Videotron, and Fizz brands. This comes as Rogers implements price increases less than a year after its merger with Shaw Communications, valued at $26 billion, was approved. The approval, given by Champagne, did not include commitments from Rogers to lower wireless plan costs but focused on conditions such as workforce expansion and investments in 5G coverage and internet connectivity.
Violating these conditions could lead to significant penalties, with up to $200 million in fines for Videotron and up to $1 billion in charges for Rogers. The government aimed to create a fourth national player in the telecommunications sector, with Quebecor’s Videotron playing a role in offering lower wireless prices.
Champagne, acknowledging that Canadians still pay too much for wireless services, indicated potential legislative powers to enforce better deals if prices don’t decrease following the merger. Despite overall drops in wireless prices in recent years, critics argue that the government needs to do more to protect consumers, calling the conditions on Rogers “illusory.” Opposition lawmakers accuse the government of allowing corporate greed to flourish at the expense of Canadian consumers.
