How to avoid hidden fees in contracts?
Key takeaway: Before signing a contract, carefully check the terms and amounts of all additional fees — activation, equipment rental, data overage, proportional payments, and termination fees — and choose a provider with transparent terms or flexible month-to-month plans.
1. Types of hidden fees and how to identify them
Hidden fees in internet access agreements are often buried in the fine print of the contract or on separate pages of the rate schedule. The main categories are:
Activation (setup) fee
Most providers charge a one-time fee to connect the service.
- TELUS: $100 with month-to-month, waived with a two-year contract.
- Shaw: $50 (non-refundable) for new customers.
- Rogers: up to $39, but sometimes offer credit when signing up online.
Equipment rental
Modems, routers, or decoders are often rented with a monthly fee.
- Rogers: fee for “Legacy Modem” up to $5–7/month.
- Shaw and Telus: usually $10–15/month, but you can buy the device for a one-time fee.
Overage charges
Providers set monthly data limits and charge an additional $1–$2/GB (Shaw) or $15–20/10 GB (TELUS mobile internet).
Pro-rated and partial payments
If you change your plan or billing date, your bill will show unexpected charges for part of the month. Detailed information about these items is often hidden in the understanding bill charges section of Rogers websites.
Early termination fee (ETF)
- Shaw: $45/month until the end of the contract.
- Telus: $20/month for the remainder of the term.
- Rogers: $75/month until the end of the term.
2. Comparison table of hidden fees
| Provider | Activation | Equipment rental | Late payment / Prorated | Overages | ETF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shaw | $50 one-time | $10–15/month | May apply | $1–2/GB | $45/month |
| Telus | $100 (month-to-month) | $10–15/month | Likely (partial charges) | $15/5 GB | $20/month |
| Rogers | $39 setup fee | $5–7/month (legacy modem) | Partial charges when changing plans | Unlimited plans or $1–2/GB | $75/month |
3. Strategy for reviewing the contract before signing
- Read the fine print Check the Fees, Installation, Equipment rental, and Data usage sections.
- Ask about all fees in the verbal agreement Record the names and amounts of fees and ask for confirmation by email.
- Clarify the mechanism for notifying you when you exceed your limit The provider is required to send warnings when you reach 75% and 95% of your limit.
- Sign a bilateral document with a detailed description of the equipment Specify whether the modem is included in the price or is rented.
- Ask about promotions and credits When signing up online, you can often avoid setup fees or get bill credits.
4. Alternatives to minimize additional costs
- Month-to-month plans with flexible rates No ETFs, but may have higher activation fees. TELUS PureFibre Flex, Rogers Ignite Flex.
- Prepaid mobile internet plans Koodo, Fido: no long-term contracts, but limited data.
- Starlink or Xplornet (satellite internet) Minimal hidden fees, but high initial investment in equipment.
- Bundle offers Combining internet with mobile or TV can lower your overall monthly cost.
5. What to do if you find incorrect charges
- Check your bill details through your personal account or MyRogers / MyShaw.
- Contact customer service and record the time of the call and the agent's name.
- If no solution is found, file a complaint with CCTS (Telecom-mediator).
- Save screenshots of all correspondence to support your arguments.
6. Tips for Ukrainian newcomers
- Translate your contract terms into English and keep copies.
- Consulting with the Alberta Consumer Protection Office will help you understand your rights as a consumer.
- Use Telegram communities of Ukrainians in Calgary to share experiences and current promotions.
- Don't be afraid to negotiate: often, a reduction in fees is possible through the Loyalty section or during holiday promotions.
Conclusion: Hidden fees in Calgary internet contracts are a real problem. However, by carefully reviewing your contract, comparing rates, taking advantage of promotions, and contacting regulators when necessary, you can minimize additional costs and make your internet service transparent and affordable.