Canada’s telecommunications regulator says it will prevent companies from charging customers when they cancel, change or activate plans.
The CRTC says the move is meant to make it easier for consumers to switch internet and cellphone plans, with the ability to take advantage of better offers without having to worry about unexpected costs.
The regulator says it will announce additional consumer protection measures in the coming months to make it easier to shop for, compare and choose plans.
In late 2024, the CRTC launched a handful of consultations related to empowering cellphone and internet customers, seeking feedback on potential changes around notifications, self-serve options and fees.
The regulator also held a hearing into whether service providers should be required to display information about home internet plans — such as price and speed — through a standardized label, similar to nutrition labels on food products.
The commission says it plans to launch another public consultation to review its consumer protection codes, with the goal of simplifying and combining them into one code.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 12, 2026.
