Canadians are reacting to Rogers’ CEO getting grilled over increasing TV bills in the fine print of contracts.
At a Parliamentary committee meeting on Dec. 1, Conservative MPs Jeremy Patzer and Rick Perkins criticized Rogers CEO Tony Staffieri for the fine print in fixed rate contracts that says the telecom company can increase prices at any time.
When Perkins questioned Staffieri about increasing TV box rentals by $7 each, Staffieri said the contracts are “clear and transparent” about what’s included and what’s not.
“There are other items that are add-ons and the customer has the discretion to include them or not,” Staffieri said at the conference, who appeared via video.
Patzer also addressed the recent 1,200 job layoffs Rogers implemented last month despite Staffieri claiming Rogers has created 2,000 jobs since the merger with Shaw Communications in 2021.
“There are areas in our business where we invest and we create opportunities in employment,” Staffieri said.
Online, Canadians are reacting to the heated conversation between Staffieri and the MPs.
“Canadians pay more for their Phone and Internet services than anyone else. Not to mention it’s often glitchy and when it does break down it’s a nightmare to get it addressed,” one person posted on X.
“How many times will MPs bring telecommunication ceo’s and simply do nothing about it? Year after year it’s been the same thing. And at the end of the day nothing gets done and the consumer gets screwed,” a Reddit user said.
Others are mentioning how the merger has affected their experience with Rogers.
“We too have the same issues with Rogers. Our 2 year contract has gone up nearly $20.00 per month. Shaw was good until Rogers took over!,” one person on X said.
“In rural [Nova Scotia], we pay Bell $400/month for tv satellite & chronic, spotty internet. Virgin 200/month for cellphone. $600 for lousy inconsistent service. These companies MUST be held to account for GOUGING rural Canadian seniors,” Canadian screenwriter Mary Gorman posted on X.
