Canada regulator sues Rogers for alleged misleading claims about data offering

Rogers store signage shown in Mississauga, Ont., Monday, Dec.16, 2024. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Richard Buchan)

OTTAWA — Canada's antitrust regulator said on Monday it was suing Rogers Communications Inc for allegedly misleading consumers about offering unlimited data under some phone plans.

The Competition Bureau, in a statement, said Rogers' advertisements created a "false or misleading impression" that its phone plans provided consumers with limitless data. In reality, the bureau said, the plans have data caps and once reached, the transfer speed is reduced by over 99 per cent.

Rogers said it disagreed with the bureau's assessment of its phone plans, which were introduced in 2019, adding the company would fight the claims.

"These plans represent the norm in Canada and the Bureau's decision to single out Rogers after five years is quite concerning," it said in a statement.

The Competition Bureau has filed an application with the Competition Tribunal seeking Rogers stop misleading advertising, pay a penalty and issue restitution to the impacted wireless phone plan customers.