Rogers Communications (RCI) is crediting customers for five days of service to compensate
them for the national internet outage they experienced on July 8.
Rogers had initially said it would credit customers for two days of internet service but raised that
amount to five days as the company faces ongoing criticism over the massive network outage
that left businesses and consumers across Canada without internet access for 19 hours.
The credits are just one issue Rogers is dealing with after the outage. The company is also
expected to be hit with a class-action lawsuit by customers, though no legal action has been
initiated yet.
National Bank estimates that Canada’s economy lost $142 million because of the one-day
outage at Rogers, as some businesses couldn’t process debit or credit card payments.
Rogers’ outage impacted 25% (a quarter) of Canada’s entire internet connectivity, according to
data from Netblocks.
The outage occurred as Rogers is trying to win regulatory approval for its proposed $20 billion
takeover of rival Shaw Communications (SJR).
The outage will be another factor for the Innovation, Science and Industry Minister and
Competition Bureau to consider when deciding whether to approve the Rogers-Shaw deal.
Rogers’ stock has fallen 1% this year to $60.24 per share.
