Rogers Wireless announced Tuesday that a 15 cents charges for each incoming text message for customers without message plans will beginning on July 7, 2009.

Rogers' move comes a year after Bell and Telus made similar changes in their policies which angers consumers and policitians NDP Leader Jack Layton calling it a "cash grab". A class action lawsuit was filed against Bell and Telus as a result of the new charges.

Rogers spokesperson Liz Hamilton said the decision is in keeping with changes in pricing policies among wireless carriers in both Canada and in the United States. The new charges will affect a small number of consumers as most suscribers already have bundle text messaging with their cellphone plans, she said.

The good news is that consumers won't be charged for spam text messages. Fido brand customers will not be affected.