TELUS, Rogers, Bell waiving fees, providing free TV channels to customers during pandemic

Phone, internet and television companies are making it easier for customers by providing free TV channels and waiving fees during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rogers announced it will extend measures through its ForwardTogether program to keep Canadians connected on the company’s networks and services, according to a press release.

“As this public health situation continues to evolve, we’re focused on keeping our customers connected to what matters most to them,” said Joe Natale, president and CEO of Rogers Communications, in a press release. “Whether that’s staying in touch with loved ones, being connected for digital learning, working from home in new ways or staying informed and entertained, we are here to help.”

Rogers is extending measures first introduced in March until June 30:

• Waiving Canadian long-distance voice calling fees for wireless, home phone, and small businesses for Rogers, Fido and chatr customers.

• Removing data usage caps for Rogers and Fido customers on limited home internet plans so they can connect without worrying about internet overage charges.

• Ensuring that no Rogers and Fido services are suspended or disconnected for any customer experiencing financial difficulties, as well as offering more flexible payment options for customers facing financial uncertainty due to COVID-19.

• Offering TV customers free access to a rotating selection of channels including:

• Tubi TV: an ad-supported app on Ignite TV with thousands of free movies and TV shows
• Kid Friendly: Disney, Disney Jr., Disney XD, Family Channel, Family Jr., YTV, Treehouse, Teletoon and ABC Spark
• Movies: Hollywood Suite, Super Channel Fuse, Super Channel Heart & Home, Super Channel Vault
• Lifestyle: One: Get Fit, Love Nature, Investigation Discovery, Velocity, Lifetime, HGTV, Slice, BBC Earth and Smithsonian
• Entertainment: FX, FXX, A&E, TLC, CTV Comedy, OLN
• Multicultural: TV Asia, TLN                 

TELUS is also waiving fees during the pandemic for customers including:

For home services customers

• Waiving home internet overage charges for customers without unlimited data plans until April 30
• Fees waived for the next two months for families currently participating in the Internet for Good program
• Offering free channel previews on Optik TV
• Offering first month free on TELUS Online Security Standard.
• Pausing the in-flight increase to Long Distance Pay-Per-Minute phone plans

For mobility customers

• Waiving all Easy Roam, Travel Passes and pay-per-use roaming charges for postpaid and small business customers until April 30

For all TELUS customers

• Offering free educational activities encouraging families to ‘Learn, Do and Share’
• Offering free TELUS Wise digital safety online workshops and printable activities for youth
• Offering flexible payment options for consumer and small business customers who have been financially affected by the crisis

"In response to the evolving COVID-19 crisis, we want to assure you that you will still be able to stay in touch with family and friends. We are postponing all disconnection dates until further notice. In the meantime, to stay on top of your bill, please visit My TELUS," according to the TELUS website.

Bell customers will also be provided with free entertainment and news and will not have to pay certain fees during the pandemic:

• Bell is waiving extra usage fees for residential Internet customers across Bell brands until April 30. Fees will be waived automatically.
• For wireless customers travelling abroad, Roam Better and pay per use roaming charges will be waived until April 30. Fees will be waived automatically. Bell is also working with the federal government and other carriers to support Canadians living or travelling abroad by sending them text messages about Canadian consular support and other useful information.
• Bell Media's TV and radio news operations across the country continue to deliver the latest updates on the COVID-19 situation to Canadians from a local, regional and national perspective. Bell TV has also made CTV News Channel, CP24 as well as other Canadian news services available as free previews for Bell Fibe TV, Alt TV and Bell Satellite TV customers. CTV News and CP24 are also available live at their web sites and on their apps.
• All Bell TV services are also offering free previews of a wide range of family, educational, lifestyle and entertainment channels throughout March and April.
• While most retail locations are closed, select Bell stores remain open across the country to provide essential services to customers. These stores and their operating hours can be found on the store locator.
• To protect our customers and team, Bell has put in place enhanced safety and sanitation protocols at all Bell workplaces, at retail locations that remain open for emergency support and for our field service teams. These measures include limitations on the numbers of customers who can access our stores at any one time, and screening procedures for any installation or repair appointments.

Bell is encouraging customers to take advantage of MyBell, a self-serve option available online or as a mobile app that enables you to manage most of your Bell services. Customers can also stay informed by visiting Bell's dedicated COVID-19 webpage.

Shaw has opened Shaw Go WiFi to everyone in Canada and is providing free TV channels to customers and no data caps with Internet plans during the pandemic. A full list of initiatives includes:

• Shaw Cable and Shaw Direct customers get free access to channels like CBC News Network, CTV News Channel, Treehouse and Disney Jr.
• Internet plans that do not have hard data caps.
• While all retail locations are temporarily closed, equipment can be returned through Canada Post.
• Customers can make payments through their banks or My Shaw. Customers can also call 1-888-472-2222 to make a payment.
• COVID-19 may lead to unexpected financial challenges. If customers need to adjust services or have concerns about paying the bill, Shaw is providing flexible payment options. Contact Shaw via chat or by phone at 1-844-330-7429 to discuss options.

More information can be found on Shaw's website.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Carli Berry or call 250-864-7494 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.