Rogers and Fido have once again increased their connection fees, with the new charge hitting $75, up from the previous $70. This marks a 7% increase, following a pattern of fee hikes that have been ongoing over the past year. As of today, both carriers are charging this new setup service fee for activating or renewing a plan, a charge that has risen steadily over time despite increasing profits for these companies.
This latest fee increase is happening at a particularly sensitive time as the United States’ escalating tariff war threatens to affect Canada, including a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports. While this might not directly relate to the wireless industry, it reflects broader economic pressures that could influence telecom pricing strategies.
Interestingly, Rogers and Fido are offering a workaround for customers who want to avoid the fee: bypass the store and complete their transactions online. If you opt for online service, the connection fee is waived, potentially saving you $75. However, for anyone who needs in-person support or is upgrading their phones, the $75 charge will apply. This fee now feels equivalent to an extra month of service—an added cost that can feel frustrating to many consumers.
It was only seven months ago that Rogers and Fido raised this fee to $70, which was up from $60. While this latest hike seems significant, it could be just the beginning. As of now, Telus and Bell have yet to follow suit, but historically, Canada’s telecom giants tend to mirror each other’s pricing changes. For instance, Telus and Koodo increased their connection fees to $70 shortly after Rogers and Fido did last year, while Bell and Virgin Plus followed with increases of their own a few months later.
Koodo and Virgin Plus Adjust Plans to Compete with Fido
For now, Quebecor’s Freedom Mobile stands apart, with its connection fee remaining at a relatively low $45. But as the market shifts and carriers adjust their fees, it remains to be seen whether Freedom Mobile will also raise its prices.
As we watch the telecom industry closely, it’s clear that consumers will likely face even higher connection fees in the near future, despite the companies’ profits continuing to climb.
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