Bandwidth Caps Increased; Need New Modem?

[Styan]

I noticed the other day that Rogers has increased the bandwitdh usage caps on several of its packages.

As an example: The Express package, that I subscribe to, used to be 60 gb/month is now 70 gb/month.  

When I noticed this, my billing period was going to roll over in a few days, so I checked MyRogers to see if my service level was increased, to my surprise, it was not.  When I called Rogers to ask about getting the 70gb cap, I was told I would have to upgrade my modem.  While I understand newer hardware is probably required for the faster speeds of the Ultimate packages, what I don't understand is why I need a new modem to attain the amount of usage that Rogers is offering.  In my current configuration I can "use" the internet just fine.

Has anyone else had this experiance, or get a good explanation as to why you need a new modem to get this level of service?

Looking forward to hear people's input/stories,

Styan

PS.  I did a quick speed test right after my call with Rogers Customer Support.  I achieved the full 18Mbps as advertised, on my Motorola Surfboard modem.

***edited labels***

[Gdkitty]

While yes, there is no technical limitation which would prevent the higher cap, currently to get the higher caps, you need the higher modem.

Mostly I think it's to get more people on the newer technology, so they can do other upgrades as well

With this new modem, you do get a speed increase, as well as the extra bandwidth. In the end, the rental fee increase for an average of getting +20gb, is cheaper than 20gb of overages

[FormerMember]

Gdkitty is correct. There is no technical limitation whatsoever to giving you a higher bandwidth with the D2 modems. And as far as the product code from the modem being needed to upgrade the service, this is garbage. If Rogers wanted to upgrade your service they could - all they would need to do is create the appropriate code. It is amazing the things they tell you in order to coerce you into switching! 

[Ham4]

Congratulations Marky. This whole bandwith affair had me up in arms as well. I  planned to make the same moves to TeckSavvy until Rogers offerred me a 2 year discount. Let's see the state of affairs at the end of those 2 years.The decision will still be mine. Bell and Rogers are obstinate in holding on to a duopoly which must not be allowed to stand.

Ham4.

[megnme]

Feb 20 2013. I was offered Extreme Plus 80Gb of data for a total of 200GB with 35Mb Download and 3Mb Upload for $46/mo. This package is gauranteed for 8 years and includes the modem rental. My current Express Package allows 60GB but as of Nov 2012 the limit is 80GB. I haven't ever gone over the 60GB limit but if I had I'd be asking them for a rebate. I was told this promo is available until the end of March 2013 for new and existing customers.

[Gdkitty]

There may be a bunch of changes upcoming.

Currently till march 31st (may change after that), you can get an adding for unlimited usage.

$10 if you have home phone and tv as well, $30 If you don't.

[rafk]

I'm having a hard time feeling sorry for those of you complaining about 150gb bandwidth caps when 90% of the country (area wise) is stuck with NO option for Cable/DSL and have to resort to 10gb / month + $10 per gb over through wireless or painfully slow satellite.   It's not like I am in Nunavit, I'm less than an hour outside of Toronto!!

That's the sad reality of High Speed internet in this country..  not moaning about 150gb for $50-60.   it's like a 3rd world nation. 

[Gdkitty]

would be nice, if the could offer the unlimited addon for internet, to the wireless internet users as well.

[rafk]

I am not holding my breath but I'd be happy with a more reasonable limit.. heck even 50gb would be nice. 

It's a cash cow for them and they have us where they want us with no alternatives available. 

Rogers Wireless Internet costs ~$60/10GB and ~$90/20GB plus the $10 / gb for any overage if you are on one of the Hubs, I can't see the cost of delivering this service being that expensive and the infrastructure (cell network) is already there.

[007James]

I have had Rogers Hi Speed Express for 13 years. It used to be unlimited. When a 60GB limit showed up the capped me from unlimited to 60GB. Now they upped Express to 80GB. I said if I deserved to be lowered I also deserve to be raised. Tech support has declined my request caue SUPPOSEDLY DOCSIS 2.0 doesnt support cap adjusting. What a poor excuse and lie.

The DOCSIS 2.0 standard does allow capp adjusting thats how you capped me in the first place.

Second of all dont assume Im stupid just because Im your customer and outright lie to me.

[Gdkitty]

You are correct. 

There is no PHYSICAL reason there couldnt be a higher cap on a D2 modem.

Rogers had descided, that they want to get parts of their network upgraded.. and part of that is moving people to D3 modems.

I have talk to countless reps... they are not lieing to you, when they say they cant though.
Again, not a limitation thing on the hardware, etc...  The way the system is coded.. the 80g cap plans, can only be added, when there is a d3 modem on the account.
its not something they can overide, etc.

Unfortunately, these are the options we have.

[007James]

Funny. if i pay for it they can add it to the D2.


I feel ripped off.

[Gdkitty]

If you pay for what?

If you are on a D2 modem, you are paying for the GRANDFATHERED plan (at whatever speed), and not the newer ones on the site.. they have different plan codes in the system.
To add the plan codes for the ones on the site, you need a D3.

[leavingforgood]

Rogers is just being dishonest about this.  No matter how the "codes work in their system" or whatever...

When I called to inquire about the higher bandwidth caps, they said it was a technical limitation of my modem and I'd have to pay $7/month to rent a new D3 modem (which they then charge me $8/month for). It's clearly not a technical limitation at all, and just an easy excuse to get more money from customers. 

There are much more honest and customer-focused companies out there, which is why I'm leaving Rogers and taking my business elsewhere.

[FormerMember]

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@leavingforgood wrote:

Rogers is just being dishonest about this.  No matter how the "codes work in their system" or whatever...

When I called to inquire about the higher bandwidth caps, they said it was a technical limitation of my modem and I'd have to pay $7/month to rent a new D3 modem (which they then charge me $8/month for). It's clearly not a technical limitation at all, and just an easy excuse to get more money from customers. 

There are much more honest and customer-focused companies out there, which is why I'm leaving Rogers and taking my business elsewhere.

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Of course they are being dishonest. Sure they have their stupid codes which prevents them from doing certain things but the simple solution would be to create additional codes. Rogers does not want to do this. There is no technical limitation whatsoever of adding additional bandwidth to any modem you might have - D2 or D3 - except for the technical limitations of the trained monkeys who work for Rogers. It is illustrated very well when you exceed your bandwidth and Rogers is quite willing to charge you additional fees yet cannot add more bandwidth due to technical limitations! ROTFLMAO!!

[hottoddie]

I was told when I signed up 3 weeks ago, that I can pay an extra 10.00 per month to have unlimited DL, current limit was 500gb. I just got a warning that I have reached my 500gb limit as of today. Whats up with that?  I have to call them.

[Gdkitty]

The $10 thing, is something different, its their unlimited internet plans-addon, per say..

There are the normal plans, with normal caps.

Until the 31st (at least for now), you can sign up, for an extra $10 a month, and get unlimited. ($10, based on if you have cable and phone with them as well)

But this is something that you have to CHANGE your account to specificaly, its not an 'if you go over' thing, its a set extra amount every month.

Its not really an  add-on per say, it actualy changes your plan, to a X+10 version of the same old plan.

Give them a call, and they should be able to add it on for you.

[anybody]

I wish I had an alternative in my area. There is none. It's Rogers or the highway.

[welkad]

I was FORCED to upgrade my modem in order to get 20GB more of bandwith limit per month (same download speed). My new modem shut down for two hours the day after I installed it. My friend is on his third one already. As soon as my contract expires, good bye ROGERS for ALL of my services.

[TeDD13]

welkad:

Just curious, after cancelling Rogers which ISP you are switching to?

[_0101_]

Has anyone heard if a usage increase is coming with the August 24 rate increase?

Check this out too
stopthecap.com/2013/07/25/rogers-admits-charging-more-for-your-internet-accessusage-is-where-the-big-money-is/

[TeDD13]

I find the bandwidth cap question much less relevant nowadays. Rogers gave everybody the opportunity to convert their plans to unlimited bandwidth plans for either $10 or $30 more a month. For people who can really use that bandwidth this is great opportunity and great savings as well comparable to massive overage fees. Anyone who did not upgrade to unlimited doesn not seem to be needing unlimited internet that much and should be fine with capped plan.