Media Release, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, December 5, 2012
OTTAWA – Consumers will be empowered by the “Wireless Code of Conduct” being proposed by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) said yesterday in a filing supporting the national code of conduct.
PIAC is also representing the Consumers’ Association of Canada (CAC) and Council of Senior Citizens’ Organizations of British Columbia (COSCO) before the CRTC on the creation of a Code.
“Canadians have embraced the concept of a Wireless Code,” said John Lawford, Co-Counsel for PIAC, who noted hundreds of Canadians made well over a thousand public comments on the idea so far – nearly all in favour. “We support Canadians who want simple contracts and clear rules for wireless providers,” he added.
The CRTC yesterday accepted written comments on the shape of such a Code. PIAC’s filing asked that unilateral changes by a wireless service provider to core terms and services should be prohibited, meaning the change would be void and of no effect. PIAC also called for an end to the 30 day notice requirement to cancel contracts and unfair termination penalties that stifle consumer choice and competition.
Janet Lo, Co-Counsel for PIAC said PIAC’s filing respected Canadians wish for more control for consumers over their wireless experience and cellphones. “Canadians want to be empowered in the wireless market, enjoy real choice and control their experience,” said Lo, “We hope this Code will help consumers get a fair result when they are in the market and when they have problems with their wireless carrier.”
Read the PIAC/CAC/COSCO filing
Link to the Notice of Consultation and Public Hearing process for Wireless Code
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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
Janet Lo
Counsel
Public Interest Advocacy Centre
ONE Nicholas Street, Suite 1204
Ottawa, Ontario
K1N 7B7
(613) 562-4002×24
(613) 562-0007 (Fax)
jlo@piac.ca