Rogers decreases local calling areas

Across Ontario, Rogers Wireless is significantly reducing the size of the local calling areas (LCAs) to, as they put it, “fall in line with industry standards.” While this change may be a costly for some, a recent change to the code of conduct for all wireless providers allows users to refuse the change, or leave their contract penalty-free. With some persistence, many users have reported receiving up to 1000 additional long-distance minutes for only five dollars.

For wireless users in Ancaster, for instance, the LCA for Hamilton is being reduced just enough to exclude them from the Hamilton zone. This means that after November 15, outgoing calls from a Hamilton phone in Ancaster may be penalized with long-distance charges. A map from the company’s website depicts the new LCA as a black border within the former LCA, which is shaded grey. The caption describes the new policy in very ambiguous terms: “All calls made while you are inside the black border to calls based in the grey area are local.” The new policy is put in the best possible terms, which is simply that callers within the black border will continue to take advantage of the large, former LCA. Users outside of the new LCA, however, cannot. This means that a call from Ancaster to Stoney Creek or Caledonia may be considered a long-distance call, and the user may incur charges.

Fortunately, there is a solution. The Financial Post reported in early September that the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA) agreed to a new code of conduct, which among other details, features a “stipulation that any material changes made to contracts part way through their terms, such as raising prices or limiting services, can be refused by subscribers -- or they could terminate the contract without incurring hefty break fees, which are usually $20 for every month remaining.” Although the exact wording of Rogers contracts will not change, the definition of the term “Hamilton” will, and that constitutes a material change. With such ammunition, users have reported receiving up to 1000 Canada-wide long-distance minutes a month for just five dollars.

Being a Rogers customer on a two month-old, three year contract, I decided to give this a try. Two separate service representatives told me that there was nothing they could do before I went on hold for forty-five minutes to speak with a manager. I received the full, 1000 Canada-wide long-distance addition for only five dollars after a short conversation with him. This will cover more than just my calls to the opposite side of Hamilton, and the change is effective for the entire length of my contract.

Wireless users often feel bullied by their providers, and at the very least feel confused by the amount of ambiguous terms. With some research, however, consumers can take advantage of the policies and codes of conduct that are put in place to protect their wallets.

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