Competition Bureau sues Rogers over 'misleading' unlimited data claims

The Competition Bureau says it is taking legal action against Rogers Communication for the company’s allegedly false advertising for their Infinite wireless phone plans.

The Bureau alleges that the company’s advertisement creates a false or misleading impression that the phone plans provide consumers with limitless data, allowing them to use as much data as they want.

The Bureau claims that the plans actually have data caps and once reached, the data speed is reduced or “throttled” by over 99%.

"Canadians need accurate and truthful information when purchasing goods and services, especially essential services like wireless data plans,” said Matthew Boswell, Commissioner of Competition.

“This case demonstrates that the Bureau remains committed to ensuring that Canadian consumers are not misled. And that we take all appropriate measures to address false or misleading claims in the marketplace."

In response to the claims, Rogers says their advertising is “clear and truthful.”

The company indicates that they will fight the litigation.

According to Rogers’ statement they started the plan in 2019 and claim the plans helped eliminate overage fees and gave customers certainty with their bills when data use started growing “exponentially.”

“These plans represent the norm in Canada and the Bureau’s decision to single out Rogers after five years is quite concerning,” says Rogers’ statement.

The Competition Bureau says it has filed an application with the Competition Tribunal asking that Rogers stop the misleading advertising, pay a penalty and issue restitution to people with the Infinite phone plans.