Competition Tribunal orders Rogers to pay $15M over "unlimited" Infinite plans

Rogers has been ordered to pay a $15 million penalty over the way it marketed its Infinite wireless plans, which were positioned as unlimited data but slowed speeds after a certain amount of use.

The Competition Tribunal also ordered the company to publish a corrective notice and pay the Competition Bureau's legal costs. The Tribunal's full reasoning is expected within 10 business days.

The ruling lands in a market where "unlimited" is a common label. Bell, Telus and smaller providers such as Freedom Mobile also offer unlimited plans that include throttling, so Vancouver customers comparing phone plans will see the same wording across carriers.

The Bureau began investigating Rogers over the Infinite plans in 2023. It had initially sought one of two outcomes: a $15 million penalty plus refunds for customers, or a $135 million penalty with no refunds. The Tribunal's order sets the penalty at $15 million. Jeanne Pratt, interim commissioner of competition, commented on the decision in a statement.

Rogers said it introduced unlimited data plans in 2019. The company said it stands behind its advertising and is considering next steps.

The Tribunal's written reasons, due within 10 business days, will set out how it reached its decision.