Rogers promised 'unlimited' data despite steep slowdowns, drawing a $15 million penalty

Canada's Rogers Communications must pay a $15 million penalty over advertising for its "Infinite" wireless plans. Regulators found the telecoms giant had promised customers unlimited data but throttled speeds once usage passed a set threshold. 

Here's what to know

Canada's Competition Bureau announced plans for a legal challenge against Rogers in December 2024, saying it would file an application with the Competition Tribunal over alleged false advertising, according to CBC News.

The bureau said Rogers "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."

The dispute centered on the slower service customers received after reaching that threshold, not on whether their data access stopped altogether.

Under the tribunal's ruling, the Toronto-based telecom must publicly address the misleading advertising. Jeanne Pratt, the interim commissioner of competition, announced the decision in a news release.

More background

Ultimately, the $15 million penalty will amount to a drop in the bucket for Rogers, which reported revenue exceeding $5.44 billion during the quarter ending Sept. 30, according to CBC News. The figure represented a 2% increase from the same period a year earlier.

In addition to the eight-figure fine, other obligations under the ruling included the issuance of a correction notice and payment of the Competition Bureau's legal expenses, according to CBC News. The bureau said it planned to publish the full basis for the tribunal's order within 10 business days of the announcement.

"Canadians rely on accurate and truthful information when choosing essential services such as wireless plans," Pratt said in the news release, per CBC News. "Misleading advertising can distort consumer choice, erode confidence in the marketplace and disadvantage businesses that compete fairly."

Where can I learn more?

The following stories examine other wireless-carrier shenanigans, from unexpected wireless bills, broadband price increases, and a scammer impersonating a cell carrier.

• A T-Mobile customer switched five lines, then received a $239 bill after a lower estimate.

• T-Mobile bills were set to rise Oct. 12, despite some customers' expectations of price locks.

• A caller impersonating a cell carrier offered 40% off service while knowing the customer's exact bill.

• An Xfinity customer's bill reached $110 while new customers could get $50 pricing.

• An Xfinity customer's bill jumped from $50 to $89, with a $45 guaranteed deal unavailable.

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