Rogers takes new pricing for wireless customers visiting United States

TORONTO – Rogers Communications has unveiled a new wireless roaming strategy for customers visiting the United States.

The telecommunications giant says its new Roam At Home discount ensures that its customers will be charged a maximum of $50 a month for roaming fees when they use their smartphones while travelling in the United States.

Chief executive Guy Laurence says the changes come as Rogers works on a multi-year plan to simplify its offerings for customers who are signed up to its Share Everything plan.

Rogers (TSX:RCI.B) users will be able to text the word “travel” to 222 before they leave or once they arrive in the U.S. to activate the discount, which then charges $5 per day to a maximum of $50.

Laurence says the deal is an extension of an agreement with AT&T and will take effect on Monday.

Canadian wireless carriers have faced many complaints from subscribers who say they’ve unknowingly driven up their wireless bill by hundreds, or sometimes thousands, of dollars when they’ve used their data plans in the U.S.