FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OTTAWA – The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) today welcomed the decision by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to hold a public hearing to create a “Wireless Code of Conduct”.
The CRTC proceeding is good news for all Canadian consumers of wireless services, from prepaid accounts, to voice and texting services, to mobile Internet and video access via smartphones.
“Customer service and contracting problems in wireless are legion – and they affect all wireless users,” said John Lawford, Counsel for PIAC who argued before the CRTC for a public proceeding to set wireless rules. “Nearly all Canadians agree that wireless providers should have clearer contracts, increased pricing transparency and eliminate “bill shock” for unexpected charges,” he added.
The CRTC announcement invites the general public to express their concerns with wireless service in Canada and to tell the CRTC what rules wireless carriers should follow. Consumers can write the CRTC and are welcome to attend the public hearing. More information about the hearing and other CRTC process is found below.
PIAC encourages all Canadians to participate. “This is a historic chance for Canadians finally to get the service they deserve from their wireless provider, no matter which one they choose,” said Lawford.
Read the CRTC decision: Telecom Decision CRTC 2012-556
Link to the Notice of Consultation and Public Hearing process for Wireless Code
For more information:
John Lawford
Counsel
Public Interest Advocacy Centre
ONE Nicholas Street, Suite 1204
Ottawa, Ontario
K1N 7B7
(613) 562-4002×25
(613) 562-0007 (Fax)
jlawford@piac.ca