Big Three could face fines if CRTC review determines they violated fee ban

The CRTC is launching a review to determine if the Big Three carriers (Bell, Rogers, Telus) have violated its new rules banning junk fees.

The CRTC announced the consultation on Tuesday, saying it will require Bell, Telus, and Rogers to demonstrate that the fees comply with the new regulations.

If the commission finds that the companies have violated the rules, they could face fines of up to $10 million, with any relevant managers receiving fines of up to $25,000.

The Big Three, alongside members of the public, have until July 30 to submit comments. There is also a deadline of August 10 for the companies to respond to any matters raised by others during the review.

Back in June, the CRTC introduced new regulations banning fees “related to the activation or modification of a telecommunications service plan, or any other fee whose main purpose is, in the opinion of the Commission, to discourage subscribers from modifying their service plan or cancelling their contract for telecommunications fees.”

Bell, Telus, and Rogers responded to the new rules by introducing new fees. Bell and Rogers introduced $40 fees related to activating a new phone, while Telus expanded when and how it charges a $15 SIM fee. The CRTC sent letters warning all three carriers that the fees may violate the new rules and suggested they change course to avoid regulatory action.

However, all three companies told the CRTC that they will continue charging new fees, claiming the new charges are exempt from the junk fee ban.

Rogers is in a bit more trouble with the CRTC, as last week, the CRTC was looking into the telecom giant’s recent $5 price increase, with CRTC vice president of consumer, analytics and strategy requesting that Rogers answer questions about the charge by no later than July 3, 2026.

Source: The Canadian Press