The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has released a new "Internet Code of Conduct" meant to provide easier-to-understand consumer contracts, clearer information about prices, and protection from unexpected charges.
The new code comes into effect on January 31, 2020, and will apply to Bell Canada, Rogers Communications, Telus, Cogeco, Eastlink, SaskTel, Vidéotron, Shaw Telecom, Xplornet and Northwestel.
Administered by the Commission for Complaints for Telecom-television Services (CCTS), it will force Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to tell customers when they reach 75%, 90% and 100% of their data-usage limit within a single monthly cycle. It will also let customers cancel a contract within 45 days without having to pay early cancellation fees, if the contract differs from the original offer.
While the code provides guidelines for ISPs on how to serve their customers properly, the CCTS can resolve customer complaints if they believe ISPs aren't following the guidelines. Consumers can file complaints on the CCTS website.
The CRTC previously implemented a wireless code of conduct in 2013 and a television service provider code in 2017.
