The CRTC has announced three public consultations aimed at improving how Canadians manage their internet and cellphone plans.
These consultations are open to public feedback until January 9, 2025, with the goal of addressing common frustrations like unexpected price hikes and barriers to switching providers.
“Canadians need the flexibility and power to choose the Internet and cellphone plans that best meet their needs. We look forward to hearing about Canadians’ experiences through these public consultations, so that the CRTC can take appropriate action,” said Vicky Eatrides, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, CRTC, in a statement on Friday.
The first proposal focuses on requiring telecom companies to notify customers when their discounts or plans are about to expire, which could help avoid unexpected bill increases. We’ve seen too many people say they find out about bill increases on their bills, just added as a byline.
As for the second, it aims to eliminate fees for canceling or changing plans, making it easier for Canadians to take advantage of better deals. Switching to a new provider is a daunting task for average people, especially those not good with technology, which is why they don’t move typically.
Meanwhile, the third explores self-service tools that would allow users to modify or cancel plans without needing to go through customer service. Unless you’re subscribed to a self-service sub-brand, cancelling is next to impossible without calling in or visiting a retail store.
Have fun taking up your Sunday afternoon filling these out.
While these efforts appear to target some key issues, the CRTC has often been criticized for not doing enough to protect Canadians from high prices and poor service in the telecom sector.
For years, Canadians have paid some of the highest rates for internet and cellphone services globally, and many argue that consultations and discussions are not enough to drive real change. Critics say more decisive action, such as enforcing price caps or fostering more competition, is needed to ensure fair treatment for consumers.
The consultations are open to anyone who wants to share their thoughts, but it remains to be seen if the CRTC will actually implement impactful changes or simply maintain the status quo.
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You’re responsible, not the CRTC. Going into a contract? Prepaid? Month to month? Moving to or leaving the big 3? Do your own research. Look inside and outside the big blue, red and purple boxes. A ton of options are available. Read the fine print, read the contract. Search iPhoneInCanada, read the articles, read the comments (good, bad and ugly). Get informed. You, not the CRTC is responsible for your phone, your plan, and whether it’s great or a complete frustration for you. And by the way, all three proposals already have answers to them.
The above comment by far right @disqus_0xhveq3591:disqus is pure gaslighting, probably coming from a current or former CRTC employee or someone with ties to Canada's telecoms. It deflects blame onto consumers while ignoring the industry's role in ripping and gouging people off.
“Far right”. The last argument of all retards.
The title is, CRTC Wants input on Telecom Plans. But Will Anything Change? It assumes without the CRTC, change will never happen. I say, change is already here, options are available to Canadians. We don’t need the CRTC. I pay very little for data and I get to use all the data I paid for, no expiry date. I pay nothing for voice and texting in Canada is $20 a year. Not a typo. A year. I didn’t need the CRTC’s help to find these options. Unfortunately for some Canadians they’d rather choose the babysitter than rely on themselves.
Here's my input: they've gotten cheaper. Now keep it that way.
Do you also believe Trump is the Almighty and Musk is the Savior to the US economy?
Here is my input: you're delusional. Data buckets have increased. Plans have not come down in price for the masses.
cost has not decreased? really? what did 10GB of data cost 5yrs ago? —- a hell of alot more than it does not, I used to pay 80+/month for 10GB and I thought that was a great deal, now plans are offerd between 45-75/month for 100GB of data, but no your right cost has not come down at all. — consumers are just so stuck in the mindset that nothing has changed and deluded with the idea that we are over charged for service because they need a scapegoad to blame to make themselves feel better, the fact is cell phone costs have dropped dramatically over the past several yrs
Thank you for speaking some facts. See this guy is an idiot and wants to keep moving the goal post. I was paying $65/month for 6GB of data 10 years ago. Today I am paying $45 for 50GB. But some people prefer to just cry online all day instead of actually looking at their phone bill.
cost has not decreased? really? what did 10GB of data cost 5yrs ago? —- a hell of alot more than it does not, I used to pay 80+/month for 10GB and I thought that was a great deal, now plans are offerd between 45-75/month for 100GB of data, but no your right cost has not come down at all. — consumers are just so stuck in the mindset that nothing has changed and deluded with the idea that we are over charged for service because they need a scapegoad to blame to make themselves feel better, the fact is cell phone costs have dropped dramatically over the past several yrs
As long as the big 3 have money to fund LPC and the Trudeau familia nothing will change.
Cheaper gigabit (1000Mbps) Internet would be nice!