The Competition Tribunal has ordered Rogers to pay a $15-million penalty for advertising its Infinite wireless plans as unlimited data when speeds drop sharply after a set amount of use, the Competition Bureau says. Rogers also has to publish a corrective notice and pay the Bureau’s legal costs.

The tribunal hasn’t published its reasons yet. The Bureau expects them within 10 business days.

How the case got here

  • 2019: Rogers introduces its unlimited data plans, according to the company.
  • 2023: The Bureau gets court orders to gather information for its investigation.
  • Dec. 23, 2024: The Bureau files its case with the tribunal under the Competition Act’s misleading advertising rules.
  • March 30 to May 1, 2026: The hearing.
  • Oct. 28, 2026: The tribunal rules for the Bureau.

The Bureau had been seeking $135 million, Rogers notes in its statement. The Bureau’s earlier request was either a $15-million penalty with refunds to customers or $135 million without them, MobileSyrup reports. The tribunal went with $15 million and no refunds.

Back in 2017, the Bureau published guidance for telecom advertisers that warned against promising “unlimited” service and then adding caps or mandatory fees.

What Rogers says

Rogers says unlimited plans ended overage fees and gave customers “bill certainty” as data use grew. “We stand behind our advertising and are considering next steps,” it says.

What it means for you

  • No money back. The order doesn’t include refunds, so Rogers customers aren’t owed anything from this ruling.
  • Watch for the corrective notice. Rogers has to publish one about these ads.
  • Know your full-speed allowance. Whatever the plan is called, the number that matters is how much data you get at full speed before you’re slowed down. Check that before you compare plans.

Why it matters: Bell, Telus and Freedom also sell “unlimited” plans that slow down after a set amount, MobileSyrup notes. The tribunal’s reasons will show how far the ruling reaches. If they’re broad, expect carriers to change how they advertise these plans, even if the plans stay the same.