Three-year device plans raise new barriers where the CRTC planned none, say consumer groups

By Denis Carmel

Competition Bureau has its worries, tooGATINEAU – In the summer Rogers Wireless introduced 36-month device financing plans into the Canadian wireless marketplace.The service providers which introduced these new plans (Telus quickly followed suit, and then Bell and Ice Wireless had begun or where about to launch three-year device plans) were hailed by some as increasing smartphone affordability and generally being pro-consumer. Others hailed in the opposite direction.On August 2nd, as we reported, the CRTC sent a letter to providers to cease that practice and then on August 30th, launched an official review. Initial submissions were due Tuesday, October 15th.The Notice...