Rogers Communications has dropped its contentious "system access fee" for new wireless customers, but a new fee and a price hike wipes out any hope for a cheaper bill.
The $6.95 system access fee will still apply to existing Rogers customers. New users will pay a "regulatory recovery fee" which will be between $2.58 to $3.46, depending on the customer's province.
Rogers is also bumping up the base price of all wireless plans by $5, but says the new charges are revenue neutral. They are also adding three free new phone features, which are an $11 value, according to the company.
The Toronto-based wireless giant says existing customers can switch to the new plan if they want.
Rogers' discount brand, Fido, dropped the system access fee last November, as did other discount cell plans, such as Telus' Koodo and Bell's Solo.
Rogers national competitors, Telus and Bell, still charge the system access fee on their main brands.
Rogers, Canada's largest wireless company, made the move as several new wireless companies, such as Public Mobile, Wind Mobile, and DAVE Wireless, are scheduled to launch amid promises of cheaper rates than the national brands.
The controversial "system access fee" is currently the subject of a class action suit against all of the network wireless companies.
