Goodbye, Rogers. Hello, Wind!
That is what I will be saying in two days. After having spent thousands of hard-earned dollars on the Rogers family wireless plan, my family has decided to move on. BUT… (yes, you’re right, there’s always a “BUT” where Robelus is concerned) in order to terminate our contract 18 months early, we will be slapped with a cancellation fee of CAD 1200 for three cell phones. Unless we manage to sell our plan to another family. Of course, nobody we know will fall for that.
After spending about two hours on the phone with one of the most kind-hearted minions of Rogers’ Wireless Support, we found a small loop hole. You know that stupid rule that automatically extends/renews your contract the second you make an upgrade (or any change on your account that is considered an “upgrade” by them)? Yeah, this rule doesn’t apply when you’re DOWNGRADING. That’s right. Instead of paying CAD1200 upfront to cancel three cell phones, I pay only CAD 360 (cancellation fee) and port only my number to Wind. And my parents pay CAD30/month for the most basic talk plan for both cell phones till the stupid contract lapses. This is apparently the “best” option. The screwed up part? Dad lives and works outside of Canada now and mom will soon be joining him. Yet, they will be paying 30 bucks a month till November 2013 for phones that neither of them will use.
My mind often conjures up mental videos of us Canucks protesting, rioting, peacefully assembling or demonstrating in order to rectify all that has gone terribly wrong in our beautiful land. In an ideal world, I imagine us boycotting everything Rogers and running it into the ground. Looks like this is already happening, albeit at snail pace. Everyone I know – family, friends, coworkers, acquaintences – have given up on Rogers wireless, cable and internet. Not enough to make a difference yet, since there are some 9 million-ish subscribers. But patience is one of my best qualities.
I’m tired of hating, so I will sign off with these two messages.
1) To my fellow Canadian citizens, residents and immigrants who have been or are about to be sucker-punched recursively:
WE are the people and WE have the power to make changes.
2) To Rogers:
Thank you for having absolutely no respect for customers who were loyal to your greedy ass for six years.
Thank you for stealing our dough.
Thank you for shedding a very bright light on a new road that leads me to Wind.
And last but not least, FUCK YOU! 