Class-Action Lawsuit Against Rogers Over 2021 Outage Advances

A class-action lawsuit against Rogers Communications Inc. and its affiliated brands, Fido and Chatr, is advancing in response to a nationwide service outage that affected millions of Canadians in April 2021. The outage, which lasted nearly a full day on April 19, 2021, rendered customers unable to make calls, send text messages, or access mobile data, severely disrupting essential communication services across Canada.

The disruption was attributed to a software update error, impacting not only Rogers customers but also users of its subsidiary brands. The outage caused significant inconveniences, interrupting medical appointments, online banking transactions, and emergency calls. A subsequent major outage a year later further frustrated customers and businesses, shutting down parts of the financial network and delaying flights. According to a survey, nearly half of residents in British Columbia reported being affected by that incident.

The current class action focuses specifically on the April 2021 outage. It was filed in Quebec on behalf of all affected customers of Rogers, Fido, and Chatr. The plaintiffs allege they incurred both financial and practical losses due to the service disruption. In February 2024, the Superior Court of Quebec approved the case to proceed as a class action, enabling collective handling of claims rather than individual lawsuits.

Many Canadians have begun receiving legitimate text messages regarding the lawsuit as part of a court-ordered notification process. These notifications, which are also being disseminated through email and media channels, confirm that no personal or banking information is being requested, alleviating concerns about potential scams. Lex Group Inc., a law firm based in Montreal, represents the plaintiffs.

The class action encompasses anyone who was a Rogers, Fido, or Chatr customer on the day of the outage. Individuals do not need to register or pay any legal fees to become part of the class. Any lawyer compensation will be determined by the court and will either be deducted from or paid in addition to any settlement awarded to class members.

Next steps in the legal process involve trial proceedings to determine whether Rogers is liable for damages related to the outage. It is possible for both parties to reach a settlement before the trial concludes. If the lawsuit is successful, eligible customers could receive compensation, though the specific amount and payment method will be contingent on the court’s ruling or the terms of a settlement agreement.

At this stage, class members are not required to take any action. Updates about the case will continue to be communicated through text, email, and public announcements. Further information is accessible on the Lex Group website at www.lexgroup.ca, which includes official court documents and ongoing case updates. Additional details can also be found through the Superior Court of Quebec’s class-action registry.

As of October 2025, no settlement or ruling has been reached, and the case remains active in the Quebec courts. The outcome could have significant implications for the millions of Canadians affected by the outage.