Rogers wants extension for update on wireless code rules

TORONTO Rogers Communications Inc. wants more time to implement new rules that outline how wireless providers must alert customers that exceed data or roaming caps, arguing it’s impossible to make the changes by the Dec. 1 deadline.

Canada’s largest wireless provider applied to the federal telecom regulator last week for a sixmonth extension to comply with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s updated wireless code, which seeks to limit unexpected overage charges and banned device unlocking fees.

In June, the CRTC updated the code to clarify overage rules for shared plans, which were facing complaints from parents shocked that their teens had consented to massive data overage fees. The original code, which also killed three-year contracts, limited data and roaming overage fees to $50 and $100 per month, respectively, unless if a user consented to pay more.

The new code stipulates the account holder, not the device holder, must consent to additional overage fees, which apply per account, not per device. Device holders can only consent to extra fees if the account holder explicitly gives them permission.

While Rogers “appreciates the spirit” of the changes and will implement most of them immediately, including the elimination of device unlocking fees, it said it does not have enough time to update billing systems to fully comply with overage notifications.

It asked for an extension until May 31, 2018. At issue is how it will deal with accounts that include single plans and shared plans.