Rogers CEO Tony Staffieri was finally questioned by Members of Parliament on Monday over a $7 monthly price increase for extra TV box rentals, sparking concerns about transparency in customer contracts.
The meeting, held by the parliamentary industry and technology committee on Monday, focused on whether Rogers misled customers about the fee hike, reports the Globe and Mail.
Staffieri defended the company, saying Rogers is transparent about its pricing and contractual terms. “We are very clear and transparent with our contracts as to what’s included and what isn’t,” he told MPs, adding that additional charges are optional and customers have the choice to return set-top boxes if they don’t wish to pay.
After iPhone in Canada reported on Rogers TV box rental increases in late August, further scrutiny was brought to light by a CBC investigation. Hundreds of customers came forward to describe their TV box rental price hikes, which happened under contract.
Conservative MP Rick Perkins slammed Rogers for “slipping” the fee into customer bills, while Liberal MP Ryan Turnbull asked why Rogers was charging more for equipment customers were already using. Staffieri justified the increase as necessary for improving products and services, emphasizing that most Ignite TV customers weren’t affected because the first TV box is included in their package.
Originally, Staffieri was a no-show at his original date to testify in front of MPs, and instead another executive showed up instead. MPs were outraged and demanded Staffieri’s attendance, threatening to involve the House of Commons if the CEO did not show up within seven days.
Bell senior vice president Mark Graham also attended the session and said the company had not increased its TV box rental fees in the past five years, and noted there was only a $1 price increase before that time.
Did you see your Rogers TV box rental go up in price over the past couple of months?
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I'm sure they charge $25 to ship those tv boxes too. They tried charging my cousin $25 to ship a new Apple watch series 10 and lost a customer by doing so.
Absolute scam of a company
I needed to suspend my kid's iPhone cellular services for a month for bad behaviour. Rogers charged me $20 / month for providing no service. What a scam! CRTC needs to reign these wireless cartels in.
Parliament says telecommunications prices are too high in Canada and service is poor.
Rogers CEO Tony Staffieri says 'hold my beer'…
Its going to get worse before it gets better.