The CRTC last week in a letter informed Bell that the telecom’s recent move to start selling wireless devices locked to Bell’s network for 60 days is in apparent breach of the Wireless Code.
Bell has until May 16 to explain to the CRTC how it intends to ensure it remains in compliance with the unlocking rules set out in the Code, which requires service providers to ensure devices are unlocked at or before the time of sale, without requiring any specific action on the part of the customer.
The CRTC’s missive was in response to a letter sent in confidence by Bell and its flanker brand Virgin Plus informing the commission of their intention to start selling locked wireless devices to address an increase in crime at its points of sale.
The change in Bell’s policy was made public through notifications sent to Bell customers, as reported by MobileSyrup on April 24.
“I share Bell’s concerns for the safety of Canadians, including employees and customers. However, Bell’s solution of locking devices for a period of 60 days following purchase or requiring customers to request that their device be unlocked would appear to put Bell in non-compliance with the Wireless Code,” said the commission’s letter, signed by Scott Hutton, the CRTC’s vice president of consumer, analytics and strategy.
“Bell acknowledged using a similar approach to curb robberies in the proceeding leading to Telecom Decision CRTC 2019-169. However, at the time, Bell automatically unlocked devices as part of the activation process,” the letter added. “This raises questions as to the justification for Bell now locking devices for 60 days post-purchase to address similar concerns.”
