Rogers and Fido have announced a $3 monthly fee for customers still using 2G and 3G networks, starting in May.
This move comes ahead of the planned 3G network shutdown on July 31, 2025, as the telecom giant shifts focus to enhancing 4G and 5G networks.
Customers have been notified via email about the “Legacy Network Usage” fee, sparking frustration among those with older devices or limited 4G access.
While Rogers offers no-cost upgrades to avoid the fee, compatibility issues with Voice over LTE (VoLTE) have left many users upset.
What does this mean for you, and how can you avoid the charge?
Let’s break down the details, customer reactions, and your options in this critical update.
Table of Contents
Why Rogers and Fido Are Charging a $3 Fee for 3G Users
Rogers and Fido, both under Rogers Communications, are introducing a $3 monthly fee starting May 2025 for customers exclusively using 2G and 3G networks.
According to a support document updated on the companies’ websites, this “Legacy Network Usage” fee aims to offset the costs of maintaining outdated systems.
The fee will apply to users whose devices rely solely on 2G or 3G for calls, texts, and data, as assessed by Rogers starting next month.
The company plans to retire its 3G network on July 31, 2025, to repurpose spectrum for faster 4G LTE and 5G networks, aligning with industry trends to phase out older technologies.
Customers can avoid the fee by switching to 4G or 5G-compatible devices, but this transition isn’t seamless for everyone.
How the 3G Network Shutdown Impacts Your Service
The 3G network retirement, set for July 31, 2025, will affect all Rogers, Fido, and Chatr customers still using 3G devices.
After the shutdown, 3G-only phones will lose functionality for calls, texts, and data, potentially experiencing disruptions like slow or no data even before the deadline.
To continue using mobile services, your device must support 4G LTE and Voice over LTE (VoLTE), which allows high-quality voice calls over 4G networks.
Rogers has been proactive, sending emails and SMS notifications to affected customers with tailored instructions.
However, the transition requires users to either update their device settings, replace outdated SIM cards, or upgrade to a compatible phone—a process that’s raising concerns for many.
Customer Frustrations: VoLTE Compatibility Issues and More
The announcement has sparked significant backlash, particularly among Fido customers, who have voiced their concerns on social media platforms like Reddit.
Some users report poor 4G coverage in their areas, forcing them to rely on 3G despite the impending fee.
Others are frustrated because their devices, such as OnePlus models, are technically 4G and 5G-capable but lack VoLTE compatibility with Rogers’ network.
VoLTE is crucial for making calls post-shutdown, yet Rogers has not certified many non-Rogers-sold phones for VoLTE, leaving users with limited options.
Several customers have threatened to file complaints with the Commission for Complaints for Telecom-television Services (CCTS), while others are considering switching providers.
This issue highlights a broader challenge in Canada’s telecom landscape, where device compatibility can vary significantly across carriers.
How to Avoid the $3 Fee: Upgrade Options and Tips
Rogers and Fido are offering solutions to help customers avoid the $3 fee.
The simplest way is to switch to a 4G or 5G device, and Rogers is providing no-cost upgrade options for impacted users.
Customers can contact Rogers at 1-855-720-9035 or visit a store to explore available models, though the company hasn’t specified which phones are offered.
Alternatively, you can check your device’s compatibility using Rogers’ Device Compatibility Tool or manually verify VoLTE settings (Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks).
If your device supports 4G but not VoLTE, you may need to update its software or replace it.
For those with older 3G SIM cards, Rogers is mailing new SIMs to ensure 4G/5G compatibility.
Upgrading during Black Friday or holiday sales might also yield better deals on 4G/5G plans and devices.
The Bigger Picture: Industry Trends and Other Providers
Rogers and Fido aren’t alone in charging for 3G usage.
In 2024, Telus-owned Koodo introduced a similar $3 fee for 3G users, noting that only 2.3% of its customers were on the legacy network.
This reflects a broader industry shift, as Canadian telecoms like Bell and Telus are also phasing out 3G to bolster 4G and 5G infrastructure.
Rogers has invested over $40 billion in its networks over the past decade, emphasizing the need to modernize.
However, the transition has been rocky for some, especially with rising customer complaints.
The CCTS reported a 38% surge in telecom grievances from August 2023 to July 2024, with Rogers leading at a 68% increase, often due to billing and service issues.
This fee adds fuel to the fire, raising questions about fairness and accessibility for rural or budget-conscious users.
What Happens If You Don’t Upgrade by July 2025?
Failing to upgrade by the July 31, 2025, deadline will result in a complete loss of service for 3G-only devices.
You won’t be able to make calls, send texts, or use data, and even emergency 9-1-1 calls may be affected in areas where 3G is the only available network.
Devices that are 4G/5G-enabled but lack VoLTE will also face issues, as they’ll default to 3G for calls—a network that will no longer exist.
Rogers emphasizes minimal disruption, promising that most plans won’t need to change, and any required adjustments will maintain similar pricing.
However, users with incompatible devices must act soon to avoid both the $3 fee and potential service interruptions.
Customer Sentiment: A Growing Frustration with Telecom Giants
The $3 fee has amplified existing frustrations with Canada’s telecom industry, where high costs and connectivity issues are already sore points.
The CCTS noted a 14% rise in complaints against Rogers, Bell, and Telus from 2022 to 2023, with Rogers accounting for 36% of grievances when including Fido and Chatr.
Customers feel squeezed by rising fees—like Rogers’ recent $75 connection fee hike in February 2025—and now this 3G charge.
On platforms like Reddit, users have expressed dismay over being forced to upgrade devices they prefer, especially when VoLTE compatibility isn’t guaranteed.
Some see this as a profit-driven move rather than a customer-focused transition, prompting discussions about switching to smaller providers like Freedom Mobile, despite its own challenges.
What’s Next: Preparing for a 4G/5G Future
As Rogers and Fido push toward a 4G/5G-only future, customers must adapt to avoid fees and service disruptions.
If you’ve received a notification, review the steps provided by Rogers or Fido to ensure your device is ready.
For those considering a switch, compare plans from competitors like Bell, Telus, or Freedom Mobile, keeping in mind that all Canadian carriers will eventually phase out 3G.
The 2025 holiday season could be an ideal time to upgrade, with potential deals on compatible devices.
Meanwhile, the CCTS remains a resource for filing complaints if you feel unfairly treated.
This shift underscores the need for greater transparency and support in Canada’s telecom sector as it navigates technological evolution.
Don’t Get Caught by the 3G Fee—Act Now!
Rogers and Fido’s $3 fee for 3G users, starting May 2025, is a wake-up call for Canadians to upgrade their devices before the July 31, 2025, network shutdown.
While no-cost upgrades are available, VoLTE compatibility issues and poor 4G coverage in some areas have sparked customer outrage.
With the telecom industry moving toward 4G and 5G, staying informed is key to avoiding extra costs and service disruptions.
Check your device compatibility, explore upgrade options, and share your thoughts below—how will this fee impact you?
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