The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is looking for the Canadian populace to tell them about their experiences with wireless providers in the country. The reviews, which can be both positive and negative, will be used by the federal body to create a code of conduct for wireless service providers in Canada. Public hearings will be held on January 28, 2013 and consumers are advised to check out the CRTC website to get details on how they can get in their two cents.
The CRTC announced the official government outlet for citizens on Thursday, October 11 and discussed the new code of conduct the fed is working on for wireless service providers. The purpose of the code is to inform Canadians of their rights as consumers and protect them from mishandling by large telecoms. The CRTC was very keen to use the input of citizens to develop the code and has setup a system where people can voice their concerns or appreciation for wireless companies.
The CRTC stated that the Canadian consumer has to deal with confusing contracts when dealing with wireless providers. The federal body said that the terms and conditions of the contract are very different and each company has its own setup. They claimed that the highly competitive mobile service providers needed a code so that there is a consistent standard that all businesses follow. The regulatory body expects to cover services for “smartphones, texting, voice, mobile internet and video” in the upcoming code.
The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) was all smiles about the planned new code and backed up the CRTC. PIAC counsel John Lawford made a press release that stated, “Nearly all Canadians agree that wireless providers should have clearer contracts, increased pricing transparency and eliminate ‘bill shock’ for unexpected charges.”
Source: IT Business