Canadian telecommunications giants Bell and Telus are facing intense scrutiny from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) over new fees introduced just as federal regulations prohibiting such charges came into effect. The CRTC has sent warning letters to both companies, indicating that their newly implemented fees may contravene the spirit and letter of the law.
The federal rules, which took effect on Friday, June 12, 2026, explicitly banned extra charges for activating, changing, or cancelling cellphone and internet plans. These regulations were designed to make it simpler and more affordable for Canadians to switch providers and access better deals. The CRTC had previously outlawed charges such as early cancellation fees and the common activation fee, which had been identified as significant barriers for consumers.
However, shortly before the new regulations were enacted, Telus introduced a $15 SIM card fee, and Bell implemented a $40 device handling charge. These fees have drawn the ire of consumer advocacy groups and the CRTC itself. Matt Hatfield, executive director of OpenMedia, suggested these new charges are a tactic to recoup revenue lost due to the new regulations, likening them to attempts to circumvent the spirit of the law.
The CRTC has formally requested that both Bell and Telus confirm whether they have scrapped these new fees or provide a detailed explanation for their continued application. The regulator has set a deadline of June 17, 2026, for their responses, signalling a firm stance on ensuring compliance with the new consumer protection measures. The situation underscores the ongoing tension between telecom providers and regulators aiming to foster a more competitive and consumer-friendly market in Canada.
