Rogers launched a new device setup charge just days after the CRTC officially banned activation fees.
Both Rogers and its flanker brand Fido now list a new ‘Device Setup Charge’ on their respective websites. According to the fee’s description, it’s charged for “specialist-assisted device purchases (including in-store, over the phone and live chat).” The description also notes that Rogers charges $25 for shipping for self-serve orders on its website.
A Rogers support page includes more details about the new fee, noting that it applies to purchases of smartphones, tablets, and watches.
Screenshot of Rogers’ new device setup charge.
“This charge is for device setup provided to customers when they make an optional device purchase. Customers can visit a store within 30-days of purchase to get support with their device setup,” reads Rogers’ support page.
Moreover, the carrier notes that device setup can include initializing the device, setting up the SIM, transferring apps between devices, support for cloud backup solutions, and more.
However, Rogers’ new device setup fee comes just days after the CRTC instated new rules that prohibit certain fees, such as activation fees.
And Rogers isn’t the only carrier trying to get around the new rules. Both Telus and Bell have also rolled out new fees. Telus started charging a $15 SIM fee, while Bell added a $40 device handling fee that’s very similar to Rogers’ fee.
The CRTC already sent letters to Bell and Telus over the new fees, asking both carriers to remove the fees before the commission is forced to take regulatory action. In both cases, the CRTC argued that carriers were charging for necessary equipment, and thus the fees violate the new rules. According to the commission, both phones and SIM cards are required to deliver telecom services.
While the CRTC has not yet responded to Rogers’ new charge, it looks to me like Rogers is already trying to frame its device setup fee as an optional purchase for customers who want assistance setting up their devices. It remains to be seen if the CRTC will allow Rogers to charge people extra to set up their devices, or if the commission will respond to Rogers as it has with other providers.
