Issues
The CRTC decisions that set what you pay for phone, internet and TV, what your provider has to tell you, and what broadcasters owe the public in return for their licences.
Your Bill and Your Provider
New Fees After the Fee Ban
Record closed 10 September 2026. Decision pending.
Since 12 June 2026, providers cannot charge fees for activating or changing a service plan, or fees meant to discourage you from switching. Within weeks, Bell, TELUS and Rogers added new device, SIM and setup charges. The CRTC has ordered all three to show cause why those fees do not break the ban.
Locked Phones
Comments closed 24 September 2026. Bell replies by 5 October 2026.
The Wireless Code says phones must be sold unlocked. Bell and Virgin Plus sold them locked for 60 days from April 2025. The CRTC has ordered Bell to show cause why it should not be penalized, and has paused the rule for every provider as long as phones unlock automatically within two business days.
The Complaints Body Nobody Mentions
Public comments due 7 October 2026. Replies due 13 November 2026.
The CCTS can resolve telecom and TV complaints your provider will not, but only if you know it exists. CRTC-commissioned research found just 2% of people with an unresolved complaint were told about it by their provider, and no CRTC code requires TV providers to tell you at all.
One Rulebook for Phone, Internet and TV
Interventions closed 14 August 2026. Public hearing begins 30 November 2026 in Gatineau.
The CRTC is merging its four consumer codes (wireless, internet, home phone and TV) into one. Some protections exist today for only one service, and TV customers have the most to gain if they are extended. Whatever is left out will be missing for years.
Licences That Never Come Up for Review
Decided 24 August 2026. The CRTC has said a compliance process with public comment will follow.
A licence renewal is one of the few scheduled moments when the public can question a broadcaster. Broadcasting Decision 2026-216 renewed 999 radio licences with no expiry date, so those reviews will not happen. The obligations attached to each licence remain open to challenge by application.
Broadcasting
Tangible Benefits
Comments on the Corus application closed 25 June 2026. Decision pending.
When broadcasters are sold or merged, they commit to "tangible benefits" for Canadian content. Corus has asked for an exception to that policy in its change of ownership, citing its financial position.
Canadian Content Obligations
Hearing on the broadcasting system ended 4 July 2025. Decision pending.
Broadcasters are required to air and fund Canadian content as a condition of their licence. The CRTC is rewriting how that works as audiences move to streaming.
Know of Another Issue?
If you're aware of a provider or broadcaster breaking the rules, or a charge that shouldn't be on your bill, we want to hear from you.