New CRTC wireless rules demand 2-year contract cap, unlocked phones

 CBC News Posted: Jun 3, 2013 8:42 AM ET 

The CRTC has unveiled a new code of conduct for cellphone companies that demands a two-year cap on contract lengths and unlocked cellphones within three months of buying them.
Those are two of the biggest takeaways from the new rules that the broadcast regulator unveiled on Monday, and will come into effect starting in December.

• Read the CRTC's wireless code of conduct

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has been working on the code for a number of months after a lengthy consultation process with consumers and the industry.
The new code will allow consumers to:

• Terminate their wireless contracts after two years without cancellation fees, even if they have signed on for a longer term.
• Cap extra data charges at $50 a month and international data roaming charges at $100 a month to prevent bill shock.
• 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 (i.e., two-year), and receive a contract that is easy to read and understand. (more)