Wireless Code Review: CRTC hangs up on locked devices, unlocking fees

GATINEAU – The CRTC has banned locked devices and subsequent unlocking fees charged by wireless service providers as part of its review of Canada’s Wireless Code of Conduct.The Commission said Thursday that effective December 1, 2017, all individual and small business wireless service customers will have the right to have their devices unlocked free of charge upon request, and that all newly purchased devices must be provided unlocked from that day forward. This will apply to all new, amended, or extended contracts.As part of its planned three-year review of the Code, which included public opinion surveys and a four-day hearing in...