Bell to rebate customers $11.8 million for unwanted premium text charges

In a 2012 suit brought against the Big Three – Rogers, Telus, and Bell – for premium texting charges, Bell finally settled with the Competition Bureau for $11.82 million dollars. Bell also agreed to donate approximately $800,000 to public interest advocacy groups.

Under the terms of the agreement, Bell must:

Issue up to $11.82 million in rebates to current and former customers;

Donate an estimated $800,000 to support digital media research and awareness;

Publish a notice to affected customers;

Enhance their corporate compliance program; and Develop a consumer awareness campaign to educate consumers about how charges can be incurred on wireless devices and how to avoid unwanted charges.

Customers who were charged premium texting fees between January 1, 2011, and August 31, 2013 will be eligible for the rebates. Bell will be providing the rebate in the form of a credit on the wireless account for current customers, and former customers will be notified to claim their rebates. This will happen by July 25, 2016.

Agencies/Canadajournal