Canada is infamous for its less-than-ideal mobile service conditions. On top of being subject to the highest mobile rates in the world, many young professionals have grown tired of their dependency on stringent three-year fixed contracts and accompanying charges. Which is exactly why the CRTC has added a few key elements to their nationwide wireless code.
The new rules will apply for mobile contracts signed on or after December 2, and will be welcomed with open arms by young professionals who travel frequently, move between countries for work, are generally unhappy with their service, or don’t agree with changing contract conditions mid-term.
Following these major alterations, among other minor tweaks, individual and small business customers will be able to:
– Terminate their wireless contracts after two years without cancellation fees, even if they have signed on for a longer term
– Have their cellphones unlocked after 90 days, or immediately if they paid for the device in full
– Return their cellphones 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 contract and receive a contract that is easy to read and understand.
In addition, charges for extra data have been capped at $50 per month, while charges for international data roaming have been limited to $100 monthly. We’re already excited about not having to worry about that 1000-odd-dollar cell phone bill upon returning from a few days in New York…