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CBC: Nova Scotia bill to protect cellphone users

Quebec, Manitoba, Ontario, and now Nova Scotia have introduced or passed legislation to protect Canadians against price-gouging cell phone companies. The bills do not go quite far enough, but they are a welcome step forward for people in these provinces. Article from CBC News: Nova Scotia plans to regulate cellphone contracts so that customers can cancel their agreements at any time for no more than $50. The NDP government introduced a proposed law today to unlock cellphone plans and do away with hidden fees. Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec and Manitoba have similar laws, while Ontario has one in the works.

John MacDonell, Nova Scotia's minister responsible for consumer affairs, said some service providers stuff a lot into their contracts.

"I think quite often you have to take the whole package, and I think sometimes there may be things after they signed up they think, 'I probably didn't need that,'" he said.

Cancellation fees would be capped at $50. Customers who cancel early would still have to buy out their equipment.

There would be no more automatic renewal of contracts. Service providers would need a customer's permission to change fees, service options or other key contract terms.

Companies would also have to be clear about the real cost of introductory offers and special deals. Read more »

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Read more at cbc.ca

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