Commission is concerned new industry marketing practices may erode protections Canadians have under the Wireless Code

August 30, 2019 – Ottawa–Gatineau – Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)

Today, the CRTC launched a review of the device financing plans that certain service providers recently introduced or plan to offer to their customers.

While the new financing plans may make cellphones more affordable for customers, the CRTC wants to ensure that Canadians continue to benefit from protections under the Wireless Code as well as take advantage of competitive offers in the marketplace.

In particular, the CRTC is concerned that when customers cancel their wireless service plan, the requirement to pay the remaining balance of their device financing plan could result in the imposition of a penalty or fee.

The CRTC is seeking views by October 15, 2019 on questions such as: