GATINEAU – Watch the CRTC’s web site today as the Commission plans to open a new public process aimed at creating a code of conduct to govern the contracts consumers sign for various wireless devices and services, Cartt.ca has learned.
Urged on by many inside the industry (led by Telus) and outside of it, the CRTC in April asked for comments on whether the wireless market in Canada warranted its intervention in the development of a national retail wireless services consumer code.
Fuelled by voter backlash, a number of provinces have introduced their own regulations meant to govern consumer contracts with wireless companies, but regional regs are not the most efficient way of governing the business and virtually everyone has agreed CRTC action on this file is a must.
The wireless companies and consumer groups would prefer there be national standards, and the Commission has decided because of that – not to mention the many complaints about wireless fees and contracts – it is time to intervene, and a notice on a new public hearing will be announced Thursday morning.
– Greg O’Brien
