CRTC probes Rogers over $5 monthly wireless price hike
The telecom regulator asked the carrier to explain a new charge set to appear on customer bills starting July 15.
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The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has sent a letter to Rogers asking the carrier to account for a new $5 monthly price hike.
Rogers and Fido notified some customers of the increase, which would appear on bills as a "Wireless Plan Rate Adjustment" starting on or after July 15. The notice attributed the increase to Rogers' network investments.
CRTC vice president Scott Hutton asked Rogers to explain whether the fee violates the Wireless Code, which prohibits changing key contract terms without express consent from account holders. Hutton also asked how Rogers presented the charge to customers and whether it was framed as part of the minimum monthly charge.
The inquiry is unusual—the CRTC does not typically weigh in on price increases this way. However, the commission is only seeking information at this point and it's unclear whether it will take action. Hutton requested Rogers respond by no later than July 3.