OTTAWA-GATINEAU – Canada’s wireless providers may soon have to adhere to a new code of conduct.
The CRTC said Wednesday that it is seeking comments on whether the wireless market has changed enough to warrant its intervention in the development of a national retail wireless services consumer code, after receiving “several applications” recommending that one be established. (Cartt.ca first reported back in February on Telus's demand for such a process.) A number of provinces have recently introduced amendments to consumer protection legislation that directly or indirectly impact wireless services.
In 1994, the CRTC decided against regulating the wireless sector after determining that there was enough competition in the marketplace to guide the industry’s growth and provide Canadian consumers with a choice of services.
“Our practice has been to rely on market forces as long as we are convinced that the interests of consumers will be looked after,” said CRTC acting chairman Leonard Katz, in a statement. “In this case, we are seeking evidence that our intervention is necessary before considering the development of a national wireless code.”
Comments are due by May 3, 2012.
