CRTC wireless code comes into force: Canadians can cancel their contracts without penalty after two years

CRTC wireless code comes into force: Canadians can cancel their contracts without penalty after two years


OTTAWA, Dec. 2, 2013 /CNW/ - The Canadian Radio-television and
Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today marked the coming into force
of its wireless code, which enables Canadians to cancel their contracts
at no cost after a maximum of two years. The code also makes it easier
for Canadians to understand their contracts for cellphones and other
mobile devices and sets out their basic rights.



"The coming into force of the wireless code marks the beginning of a
more dynamic marketplace for wireless services," said Jean-Pierre
Blais, Chairman of the CRTC. "Rather than feeling trapped by their
contracts, Canadians will be able to make informed choices about the
wireless services--and service providers--that best meet their needs
every two years, if not more often. It will be in the best interests of
wireless companies to adopt innovative practices to ensure their
customers are satisfied and to attract new ones."



The wireless code will apply to all new contracts signed as of December
2, 2013. It will also apply to existing contracts that are renewed or
extended, or where the key terms are amended, as of that same date. In
addition, the code will apply to all wireless contracts as of June 3,
2015, regardless of when they were signed.



Among other things, the wireless code will allow individual and small
business consumers to:



-- terminate their wireless contracts after two years without
cancellation fees
-- limit data charges in excess of the usage defined in their
plans at $50/month
-- limit national and international data roaming charges in excess
of the usage defined in their plans at $100/month
-- have their cellphone unlocked after 90 days, or immediately if
they paid for the device in full
-- return their cellphone, within 15 days and specific usage
limits, if they are unhappy with their service
-- accept or decline changes to the key terms of a fixed-term
(i.e., 2-year) contract, and
-- receive a contract that is easy to read and understand.


The CRTC developed the wireless code at the request of the wireless
industry. The code addresses the main frustrations that Canadians
shared with the CRTC during its public consultation, which included the
length of wireless contracts, cancellation fees, bill shock and other
industry practices.



For more information about the wireless code, please visit www.crtc.gc.ca/wirelesscode.


Twitter Chat


CRTC Chairman Jean-Pierre Blais will host a French-language Twitter Chat
today from 13:00-13:45 EST to answer questions about the wireless code.
Follow @CRTCfra and tweet questions with the hashtag #CodeSansFil.



Mr. Blais will also host an English-language Twitter Chat today from
14:00-14:45 EST on the same topic. Follow @CRTCeng and tweet questions with the hashtag #WirelessCode.



Reference documents:



Video: What the wireless code means to you

Infographic: Benefits of the wireless code

Checklist: Know your rights as a wireless consumer

Calculate your cancellation fees http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/INFO_SHT/t1301.htm
The wireless code
Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2013-271




Follow us on Twitter @CRTCeng

SOURCE Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

CONTACT: Media Relations:
communications@crtc.gc.ca
Tel: 819-997-9403, Fax: 819-997-4245 General Inquiries:
Tel: 819-997-0313, TDD: 819-994-0423, Fax: 819-994-0218
Toll-free # 1-877-249-CRTC (2782)
TDD - Toll-free # 1-877-909-CRTC (2782)
Ask a question or make a complaintThese documents are available in alternative format upon request.


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