The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is proposing an Internet code of conduct for service providers to address increasing complaints by the public.
Canada's telecommunications regulator is inviting public comments on the creation of an Internet code of conduct, and says the proposal is separate from the current inquiry into misleading and aggressive sales practices by the country’s large service providers, which will result in a report to the federal government for review.
The CRTC said in a written statement that the proposed Internet code would establish consumer-friendly business practices, ensure contracts are easy to understand by the public, and make it easier for consumers to switch service providers and take advantage of competing and beneficial offers.
Codes of conduct are already in place for subscribers of wireless and television services but CRTC Chief Executive Officer Ian Scott says a code for Internet services is now needed as the number of complaints by the public has grown steadily in recent years.
In its 2016-17 annual report, the Commission for Complaints for Telecom-television services said the number of Internet services complaints rose by 38% from the previous year. Canadians have until December 19 to submit their comments about the proposed Internet code of conduct by completing an online form found on the CRTC website.
