Canadians can cancel their wireless contracts after two years

Canadians can cancel their wireless contracts without fees after two years, under the new wireless code unveiled Monday by the CRTC.

The wireless code also caps charges for extra data at $50 per month and charges for international data roaming at $100 per month to prevent bill shock, the CRTC said in a release.

The new rules by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission will apply to new contracts for cellphones and other personal mobile devices starting Dec. 2.

“Every day, Canadians rely on wireless devices while in their homes, at their jobs, at school or travelling abroad,” Jean-Pierre Blais, chair of the CRTC, said in a release. “The wireless code will contribute to a more dynamic marketplace by making it possible for Canadians to discuss their needs with service providers at least every two years.”

The CRTC said that, among other things, individual and small business consumers will be able to:

Terminate their wireless contracts after two years without cancellation fees, even if they have signed on for a longer term

Have their cellphones unlocked after 90 days, or immediately if they paid for the device in full

Return their cellphones within 15 days and specific usage limits, if they are unhappy with their servic

Accept or decline changes to the key terms of a fixed-term contract and receive a contract that is easy to read and understand.

The wireless code will apply to all service providers in Canada, in particular where customers pay a monthly bill after using their services and, where applicable, to pre-paid wireless services, the CRTC said.