The CRTC has recently released the "Wireless Code" (see http://crtc.gc.ca/eng/phone/mobile/code.htm) which provides a lot of mandated new rights for you, the consumer.
The way these rights are implemented varies depending on whether you are on a prepaid (often called "Pay as you go") or post-paid (a normal cell contract / pay monthly for services you used the previous month).
Some of these rights are implemented already and many may be by the time you read this. Others, like the requirement that the cell company unlock your phone for free, are being implemented December 1, 2017.
This is a really valuable one - you paid for your phone in full and were being limited in the ways you could use it. An unlocked phone can be really helpful when travelling or when trying to use an old phone as a spare, or if for example you want to resell it.
Here are a few of the features:
- No cost cancellation after 2 years
- No cost service suspension for lost or stolen phones
- Plain language contracts with explanations of optional fees
- Free unlocking
- Free cancellation within 15 days (or 30 for people with disabilities) subject to usage limits
- And more...
Keep in mind that many of these changes (especially the effective 2 year limit) apply only to consumers and not to business / corporate contracts
For additional information please see http://crtc.gc.ca/eng/phone/mobile/code.htm (or crtc.gc.ca/wirelesscode if you are typing it in).
Have a complaint about your wireless supplier?
First, try to resolve the issue with your service provider. If you are still unsatisfied, contact the Commissioner for Complaints for Telecommunications Services Inc.:
P.O. Box 56067 Minto Place RO, Ottawa, ON K1R 7Z1
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Web: ccts-cprst.ca
Phone: 1-888-221-1687 (Toll-free) · 1-877-782-2384 (TTY) 1-877-782-2924 (Fax)
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