Cellphone system access fee class action
For years, they’ve been a source of frustration for anyone with a cellphone. Now, those “system access fees” charged by wireless providers have become the subject of a massive lawsuit.The suit, certified by a judge in Saskatchewan, could be Canada’s biggest ever. It accuses cellphone companies of unfairly gouging customers with a charge that’s no longer necessary.
In the beginning, system access fees were collected to pay for infrastructure, but critics say they’re now more of a marketing tool that allows companies to advertise low prices, then force customers to pony up more.
An estimated $12-billion has been collected over the years. Bell and Telus say the case has no merit. Rogers is planning to appeal the certification.
