Can someone explain why Rogers charges for Wi-Fi calling?

[KSS29]

I am confused as to how roaming charges can appear when you keep your phone on Airplane Mode when travelling internationally. Rogers charges for international calls made on a Wi-Fi network. I find this really confusing as I don't know what the cost is to Rogers? Shouldn't Airplane mode be enough to avoid roaming charges. By definition aren'y you are only "roaming" when you connect to a local network internationally?  It's very easy to accidently hit call on a number that isn't Canadian (ex: US numbers have the same country code) without realizing and be hit with a 15 dollar charge. 

*Added Labels*

[LordDrakkon]

Personally, I have never beenncharged for using WiFi Calling outside of Canada. I spend about 6 months of the year outside of Canada.

[57]

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@KSS29 wrote:

1. Shouldn't Airplane mode be enough to avoid roaming charges. By definition aren'y you are only "roaming" when you connect to a local network internationally? 

2. It's very easy to accidently hit call on a number that isn't Canadian (ex: US numbers have the same country code) without realizing and be hit with a 15 dollar charge. 

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1. Yes it should, provided you never switch it off, but, see the FAQ on WiFi Calling below:

2. The $15 charge is the daily rate for roaming outside Canada.  Roaming in the US is $12/day AFAIK.

3. Calling to the US from Canada, if you don't have a plan that covers it, is a different matter and I believe is charged on a pay-per-use (per minute) basis, which you need to look up in your plan.

4. Regarding roaming, please read the following two links for additional information:

https://communityforums.rogers.com/t5/Account-Support/Roaming-like-home/m-p/518044/highlight/true#M3... (Roaming Summary)

https://communityforums.rogers.com/t5/Network-Coverage/Understanding-How-Roaming-Works/m-p/531963 (Roaming Discussions, read at least posts 1 & 2)

I found the following FAQ on WiFi Calling - Please read it carefully, as well as the details of your plan:

https://www.rogers.com/support/mobility/wifi-calling-everything-you-need-to-know

It says:  "If you have Roam Like Home_TM, outgoing WiFi calls or messages made to a non-Canadian number will incur the Roam Like Home daily charge. "

[KSS29]

Interesting. I was charged $15 for wifi calling in Europe because I called a non Canadian number. My phone was on airplane mode the whole time.

[KSS29]

Thanks, it says wifi calls to a non-Canadian number will incur the Roam like Home charge. My question is Why? It doesn’t cost Rogers anything as it’s not connecting to a local data network.

[57 · Accepted solution]

It's connecting to a local cell tower at the other end.  Rogers and that provider probably have some sort of cost sharing agreement, similar to say Rogers and ATT for US calls.  Granted, when you only make one call, Rogers probably makes off like a bandit. That's why it's always a good idea to know what you're doing and the costs associated with various things you do with your phone.  Also, if you're not going to take advantage of Roam Like Home, call Rogers and have them remove it from your plan and then pay per use

You're certainly not the first person that ended up paying, but if you only got hit for $15, consider it a small payment for a learning experience for the future.  

[KSS29]

thanks for that explanation. That makes sense. 

[LordDrakkon]

You are calling a number that is probably not included in the cost of your plan. If your plan only includes Canada wide calling. You will be charged for that call whether you are on WiFi Calling or not.