OpenMedia.ca lauds proposed measures to protect Ontario cell phone users

“Canadians have been speaking out about unfair practices for a long time,” says OpenMedia.ca Executive Director Steve Anderson. “Over 63,000 people have added their names to the petition at StopTheSqueeze.ca to protest the lack of choice and affordability in the Canadian cell phone market, and even more have spoken out against the Big Three cell phone companies’ price-gouging and restrictive contracts.”

The proposed rules in Ontario must first pass a vote in the provincial legislature. The Ontario government said the proposed legislation will take effect six months after being passed.

About OpenMedia.ca

OpenMedia.ca is a grassroots organization that safeguards the possibilities of the open and affordable Internet. The group's primary goal is to increase informed participation in Internet governance.

Contact

Lindsey Pinto
Communications Manager, OpenMedia.ca
778-238-7710
[email protected]

More information

According to a statement issued by MPP David Orazietti, the new rules would contain the following measures:

• Allowing consumers to cancel their wireless phone agreements at any time, with caps on cancellation costs;
• Ensuring companies clearly disclose which services are included in the minimum cost of an agreement and which services would result in added costs;
• Requiring companies to use clear and plain language in their agreements so consumers have a better understanding of their contract;
• Requiring the express consent of the consumer before a service provider may renew, extend or amend a consumer’s contract for wireless service;
• Introducing all-inclusive price advertising for cell phone service plans;
• Prohibiting providers from charging consumers for services while devices under warranty are being repaired;
• Requiring suppliers to give notice to consumers who are about to incur additional charges for exceeding service limits;
• Strengthening consumer remedies and rights to triple recovery if forced to make a claim or sue the company.