CRTC bans cellphone unlocking fees

cellphone-unlocking-no-more-fees

CRTC bans cellphone unlocking fees and orders all new devices to be unlocked

The era of having to pay cellular providers to unlock your cellphone will end this year.

As of Dec. 1, cellphone customers can ask their provider to unlock their phones free of charge, the CRTC announced June 15, 2017. At the same time, it said, all newly purchased mobile devices must be provided to customers unlocked.

Telecoms often order locked phones from manufacturers that are programmed to work only with their service. Then they charge a fee — typically $50 — to unlock the phone if a customer wants to switch providers.

In March, the CRTC reported that Canadian telecoms made a total of $37.7 million last year by charging customers to unlock their cellphones — a 75 per cent jump in that source of revenue compared with 2014.

During a February CRTC hearing, Bell, Rogers and Telus all stood by their unlocking fees.

The big three warned that if they didn’t charge an unlocking fee for the few customers who want it done, the cost would have to be passed on to everyone.

Canada’s main telecoms wouldn’t comment on the CRTC’s decision to ban unlocking fees, stating they’re still reviewing the new mandate.

iPad 5 Repair Moncton

JS Information – iPad 5 Repair Services

We now offer iPad 5 repair services for broken digitizers or LCDs. Call us today to get your iPad 5th Gen repaired.

MacBook laptop repair and upgrade services

JS Information – MacBook Repair & Upgrade Services

We offer Macbook repair for most issues with any Mac. From older MacBooks to the new MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models. We can replace your broken display and upgrade your hard drive or memory. Update your operating system, replace a defective keyboard, trackpad, battery and more. Please contact JS Information today for repair availability and pricing on selected services.

samsung-product-repair-moncton

Samsung cell phone & tablet repair

After several years of specializing in Apple products, we are taking the plunge. Yes, It’s time to expand our Samsung cell phone repair services. JS Information now offers cell phone and tablet repair services for Samsung and other popular brand products such as : HTC, LG, Google, etc.). As always, our repairs come with a 90 day warranty on parts and service, and we do offer free diagnosis.