CRTC Bans Cellphone Unlocking Fees, New Devices To Be Unlocked

The CRTC has ordered mobile providers to stop charging for unlocking phones, and to only sell unlocked phones to customers as of December 1, 2017.

This year, the CRTC noted that Canadian telecoms that charged unlocking fees made $37.7 million last year alone. Rogers, Bell, and Telus, the big three as we call them, stand by their unlocking fees.

Carriers sell locked phones in order to keep customers from switching to competitors, and with many carriers charging hefty fees to close accounts and about $50 to unlock their phone for them, it tends to keep the customer from switching.

This change by the CRTC comes from a review of their Wireless Code, aimed at helping consumers with cellphone fees. They opened their review to the public, where many brought up unlocking fees, or what has become known as a "ransom fee" or "hostage fee".