Rogers and its flanker brand Fido are gearing up to implement a new price increase on U.S. and international roaming rates, set to take effect on March 3rd, coinciding with the upcoming March Break travel season. Notices of this change have already appeared on both companies’ official websites, informing customers of the forthcoming hike.
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As of now, Rogers and Fido charge $12 per day for U.S. roaming and $15 per day for international roaming. However, starting on March 3rd, these prices will increase to $14 per day for U.S. roaming and $16 per day for international roaming.
In response to this upcoming change, we reached out to Rogers for clarification on whether any other elements of their ‘Roam Like Home’ program will be adjusted, particularly regarding the number of days per billing cycle that customers can be charged for roaming. Currently, there is a cap of 20 days for roaming charges. We will update this article with any additional details provided by Rogers.
How Rogers’ Roaming Price Increase Compares to Other Providers
This rate increase from Rogers and Fido places them on par with competitors Bell and Telus, both of whom raised their roaming charges in the past year. Bell increased its rates to $13 per day for U.S. roaming and $16 per day for international roaming in early 2023. Telus followed suit later in 2023, raising its U.S. roaming charges to $14 per day and international roaming to $16 per day.
Rogers had previously raised its roaming rates in 2022, bringing them to $12 per day for U.S. roaming and $15 per day for international roaming. When comparing this price increase to 2017 rates, Rogers’ charges have nearly doubled. Back then, Rogers only charged $6 per day for U.S. roaming and $10 per day for international roaming, highlighting a significant escalation in costs over the last few years.
What This Means for Rogers Customers and Alternatives to High Roaming Fees
Interestingly, while Rogers and Fido are raising their roaming charges, Bell is offering a special March Break discount on roaming to its customers, potentially softening the blow for those traveling south during the break. Additionally, Fido is running a promotion offering 30 to 90 days of free U.S. roaming when customers activate certain select plans.
Despite these increases, some Canadian mobile providers continue to offer more competitive options. For instance, Freedom Mobile and Public Mobile provide plans that include U.S. and Mexico roaming at no extra charge. Freedom Mobile goes even further by offering bundled Roam Beyond data, which allows customers to use up to 25GB of roaming data across over 100 international destinations without incurring additional fees.
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Regulatory Attention and Industry Trends
The rising roaming rates have drawn attention from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). Last year, the CRTC urged Rogers, Bell, and Telus to address the skyrocketing roaming charges. In response, the telecom giants asserted that their roaming prices remained affordable, and they promised new roaming options would be introduced in 2025. Rogers mentioned that they would introduce “more flexible roaming options” by 2025, though the specific details were redacted.
As Canada’s major telecom providers continue to implement high roaming fees, it’s worth noting that some smaller providers, like Freedom Mobile and Public Mobile, are challenging the norm and providing better deals for frequent travelers.
Additional Rogers News
In related news, Rogers recently laid off approximately 400 customer support employees and raised the cost of its connection fee to $75. These changes come alongside the announced roaming rate increases and are part of the company’s broader strategy as it continues to make adjustments within its operations.
Conclusion
Rogers and Fido’s latest roaming price hike signals a trend toward increased costs for Canadian travelers, especially during peak travel periods like March Break. With roaming charges rising, it may be a good time for consumers to explore other options that offer more flexible or affordable roaming plans, such as those from Freedom Mobile or Public Mobile. As the industry prepares for further changes in 2025, it remains to be seen how providers like Rogers will adjust their offerings to balance customer needs and profitability.
For travelers using Rogers and Fido services, the upcoming roaming rate hike could significantly impact their costs. Those planning to travel internationally should consider their options carefully and weigh the benefits of other providers or special promotions to avoid unexpected fees.
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