Rogers announced today that it will refund up to $5.42 million to customers charged for third-party premium text services provided by Jesta between January 1, 2011, and August 31, 2013; and MMS’s between January 1, 2011, and September 30, 2012.
The refund is the result of an agreement between Rogers and the Competition Bureau, who sued the incumbents and the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association for $31 million back in September 2012, seeking full customer refunds and administrative monetary penalties; $10 million each from Bell, Rogers, and Telus; and $1 million from the CWTA.
“We’ve worked with the Competition Bureau to come to an agreement because it’s the right thing to do. We heard from customers in the past that they had concerns with these third-party premium text services and between 2011 and 2013 we took action to protect our customers,” said Raj Doshi, Rogers Executive Vice President, Wireless Services. “Last summer we stopped the program all together and today we’re going even further. Though we’ve issued many refunds already to our customers, now all affected customers will get their money back.”
Affected Rogers customers will automatically receive a refund, former eligible customers will be contacted to complete the refund and will then have 120 days to make a claim. Those customers who believe they have incurred unauthorized premium text messaging service charges beyond the potential refund available can also contact Rogers to request additional refunds.
The Competition Bureau was pleased by the Rogers announcement and emphasised the importance of getting clear information when purchasing online.
“We are pleased that Rogers has chosen to work with the Bureau to ensure that Rogers’ consumers receive money back for the inappropriate charges and obtain clear information when purchasing online. It is important that fees and subscriptions are not hidden in fine print or anywhere else, and that consumers’ right to truth in advertising is not compromised in the digital economy,” said John Pecman, Commissioner of Competition.
Update: This also includes Fido as well for those wondering. Read more about this settlement on Fido’s FAQ page.
