Changes Are A'Comin'

[Larry's Torch]

On June 12, 2026, a major change to cell phone and internet services in Canada will take effect. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has banned telecom providers from charging activation, modification, or cancellation fees for cellphone and internet plans. This rule, established under Telecom Decision CRTC 2026-43, aims to make it easier and more affordable for consumers to switch providers or change plans without facing unexpected costs.

Key points:

• Fees for activating, changing, or cancelling a plan are prohibited.
• The ban applies to all wireless providers, regardless of size.
• Early-cancellation fees related to outstanding device financing or subsidized phone agreements are still allowed.
• Providers can still charge for physical installation or optional add-on services.

This change follows amendments to the Telecommunications Act that came into force on October 30, 2025.


Long Read If You Wanna

 

[sybian]

On June 12, 2026, a major change to cell phone and internet services in Canada will take effect. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has banned telecom providers from charging activation, modification, or cancellation fees for cellphone and internet plans. This rule, established under Telecom Decision CRTC 2026-43, aims to make it easier and more affordable for consumers to switch providers or change plans without facing unexpected costs.

Key points:

• Fees for activating, changing, or cancelling a plan are prohibited.
• The ban applies to all wireless providers, regardless of size.
• Early-cancellation fees related to outstanding device financing or subsidized phone agreements are still allowed.
• Providers can still charge for physical installation or optional add-on services.

This change follows amendments to the Telecommunications Act that came into force on October 30, 2025.


Long Read If You Wanna

"Providers can still charge for physical installation"....that kinda sounds familiar.
But we may not be talking about the same thing?

 

[Larry's Torch]

"Providers can still charge for physical installation"....that kinda sounds familiar.
But we may not be talking about the same thing?

I think that refers to Telus/Rogers coming to your house to install modems, run cable etc.

 

[sexpanther69]

The changing plans or providers makes sense

The only reason you'd be charged a cancel fee is if your in a contract, which I believe is $15per month per product for whatever time is left in said contract, or as they refer to them now Service Agreements

If that's the case expect to see less discounted rates being offered for new and existing customers, onky reason they offer rich discounts is to lock people in..... I saw Telus ad for a 5yr "price lock"... No real point of these companies to offer contracts if they can't charge to cancel

End of the day they'll still try to find new ways to charge some sort of extra fees and continue with yearly rate increases

 

[Big Dick Bob]

The $80 activation fee will disappear, but the big providers will charge an extra $5 a month instead.

The Canadian consumer loses again!