Feds plan to stop carriers from charging customers fees to switch providers

It remains to be seen how this will play out in practice, but it could mean the end of annoying connection fees that most Canadian carriers charge when a customer signs up with them.

These costs have ballooned in recent years, with some providers charging fees as high as $60.

However, many also offer to waive connection fees for certain types of purchases, such as online orders.

Along with the fees for switching carriers, the budget mentions other plans for amending the Telecommunications Act.

The planned amendments also include requiring carriers to “provide a self-service option, such as an online portal, for customers to easily switch between or end plans with a provider.” Notably, most wireless providers in Canada already offer an online portal.

Finally, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) will be responsible for implementing the new measures.