Overview
- The CRTC's ban on activation and switching fees took effect on Friday, June 12, and the commission sent formal letters that same day giving Bell and Telus until Wednesday, June 17 to confirm they have stopped the flagged charges or to explain how the fees comply with narrow exemptions.
- Bell added a $40 “device handling” charge after removing older connection fees, and the CRTC says the charge does not appear to fit the policy’s exemption for optional products; Bell argues the fee only applies when customers buy a device and covers fulfilment costs.
- Telus introduced a $15 fee for physical SIM cards and eSIM provisioning and an internal memo showed the charge was non‑waivable with a possible additional $10 shipping fee, while CRTC staff have said a SIM or eSIM is required to deliver service and therefore likely not exempt.
- The regulator has moved from advisory warnings to formal requests for information and has signaled it will consider compliance or enforcement actions, which could include forcing fee removal or other penalties if carriers do not adequately justify the charges.
- The dispute tests the CRTC’s narrow exemption for truly optional add‑ons and matters to consumers because the outcome will determine whether Canadians still face one‑time charges that raise the cost and friction of switching mobile or internet providers.