CRTC’s cellphone code of conduct meant to help consumers

Changes are coming to cell phone contracts. Today the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission came out with a new code of conduct for cellphone companies, and it means we are seeing an end to consumers being tied to three-year contracts. You will be able to cancel a wireless contract after two years with no cancellation fees – no matter how long you signed up for.

Among the other changes: extra data charges are capped at $50 a month and international roaming charges at $100 a month. You can return a cellphone within 15 days if you don’t like the service. And the phone company can’t make major contract changes without your approval.

Critics of the industry say consumers will save money, and the reaction so far has been positive.

Nick Bontis of the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University says the CRTC is finally listening to the public and these changes are great for consumers. For one thing, the cap on international roaming fees could save people a lot of money on vacations.

There’s been no reaction yet from the three major wireless providers: Bell, Rogers or Telus.

These changes come into effect in December.