Canadians now have more flexibility when it comes to switching or cancelling their phone and internet services, thanks to new consumer protection rules that took effect on Friday.
Under the updated regulations, customers can no longer be charged fees for cancelling or changing their internet or mobile plans. The changes were introduced by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), which oversees Canada’s telecommunications and broadcasting industries, as part of its Consumer Protections Action Plan announced earlier this year.
The new rules also prevent telecom companies from charging activation fees when customers sign up for new cellphone or internet services. In addition, providers are no longer allowed to impose fees on customers who want to make changes to their existing plans.
Early cancellation charges have also been largely eliminated. The only exception applies to customers who still have devices tied to contracts with their service providers.
The move is expected to make it easier for consumers to explore better deals and switch providers without worrying about unexpected charges.
“We are taking action to give Canadians more control over their Internet and cellphone services,” said CRTC CEO Vicky Eatrides. “This means that consumers can switch to a better deal without having to pay extra just to get the service that works best for them.”
To further support consumers, the Commission has also introduced the Wireless and Internet Code, which is designed to help Canadians better understand their rights and responsibilities under contracts with internet and wireless service providers.
The changes come at a time when internet costs remain a concern for many Canadians. According to a 2026 survey conducted by U.K.-based comparison platform Broadband Genie, Canada has the highest internet prices in North America.
“The highest-ranking country is Canada, ranked 130th, with an average broadband cost of US$55.26 (C$76.99),” reads the report.
Even before the new regulations officially came into force, the CRTC had already raised concerns about recently introduced fees from Bell and Telus, suggesting they could potentially conflict with the updated consumer protection rules.
Harnaik Singh Rathor is the Founder, Publisher, and Editor-in-Chief of StudioX News Canada, Canada's multilingual digital news network serving diaspora communities across 44 languages. With a background in media production, public relations, and multicultural communications, he founded StudioX Film and TV Corporation to bridge the gap between mainstream Canadian media and the country's diverse immigrant communities. He is a member of the Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ), RTDNA Canada, CPRS Vancouver, Unifor, NEPMCC, and the Canada Freelance Union. Based in Surrey, British Columbia. | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harnaiksinghrathor/ | Muck Rack: https://muckrack.com/harnaiksinghrathor | Email: editor@studioxnews.ca
