If you have been paying attention to what the CRTC has been up to lately you will know that they are currently working on a national code for wireless services. It appears however that the CRTC works to slow for Nova Scotian’s as they are very close to implementing changes to the rules governing wireless carriers.
As of May 1st, carriers operating in Nova Scotia must make contracts easier to understand by condensing them into a simple to read one page outline that covers monthly costs. Also carriers will not be able to change major parts of a signed contract like services, costs, fees or locations where the phone can or cannot be used without consent.
Additionally there could be a $50 cap on cancellation fees for customers who wish to terminate their service. They would still have to buyout the remaining device balance, which presumes there would have to be a clear method to calculate how much is still owed on device subsidies for those on non tabbed contracts.
These new guidelines will apply to anyone who renews or starts a contract after the first of May. Any new guidelines or legislation that protects customers should be welcome especially in a market that has traditionally been a fairly hostile for consumers. Customers should still take full measures to make sure they know what they are signing and are informed on costs and terms of a contract.
I personally like that Nova Scotia is not waiting for the CRTC, which has been criticized for bowing to corporate interests in the past, but still think more can be done to protect consumers.
What other types of consumer protections would you like to see?
