Freedom Mobile Wants CRTC to Remove Unlocking Fees

The Review of the Wireless Code, which started in 2013, took place this year in Gatineau, Quebec. During the meeting, Freedom Mobile’s senior vice-president of regulatory Bob Boron said that the CRTC should do away with all unlocking fees.

In a statement, Boron said:

“Freedom’s suggestion on this issue is that the Commission take the bold step and completely do away with unlocking fees altogether and require that unlock codes be provided by carriers free-of-charge on request. Further, carriers should be directed to stop ordering devices from OEMs that are locked. This is typically an optional feature offered by handset vendors. We have consulted several large handset vendors and they have indicated that they would be happy to sell unlocked phones.”

Further, carriers should be directed to stop ordering devices from OEMs that are locked. This is typically an optional feature offered by handset vendors. We have consulted several large handset vendors and they have indicated that they would be happy to sell unlocked phones.”

The solution proposed is a fairly straight-forward one: carriers should stop ordering locked devices from OEMs. Currently, carriers are charging a $50 fee for unlocking a device.

“If the Commission amends the Code to prohibit unlocking fees and to mandate that all future devices be sold unlocked, this will enhance market dynamism, foment customer choice, and discipline the market in a very considerable way. This one amendment will undoubtedly enhance the Code’s effectiveness in the short term and in the longer run.”

For Freedom Mobile, the move would be beneficial because it would allow customers to switch from a large carrier by simply registering for a bring your own device (BYOD) plan.

Do you think the CRTC should mandate the removal of unlocking fees in Canada? Let us know in the comments below.

[via Mobile Syrup]

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