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"Canadians are looking for action on predatory service fees and the outrageous costs of mobile services, not just another lecture about how to spend more wisely."
Ottawa (16 Nov. 2012) - On November 14, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) launched an online discussion to solicit feedback and input from Canadians about their wireless experiences in order to create a new code for wireless services. This discussion is part of a proceeding that will include a public hearing beginning on February 11, 2013, in Gatineau, Quebec.
According to Jean-Pierre Blais, Chairman of the CRTC, Canadians are being encouraged "to join the online discussion and have their say on how wireless contracts could be clearer and easier to understand. By sharing their views, Canadians can help us shape a clear list of terms and conditions that wireless companies will need to include in their contracts.”
"Once again the government and the CRTC do not want to face the real problems regarding wireless services in this country," says James Clancy, National President of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE). "The CRTC should already have enough evidence and feedback from Canadians after all these years of consumers raising the issue of high costs, excessive billing and termination fees, if it wanted to act."
The CRTC press release indicates that "once completed, the code will help Canadians better understand their rights and their wireless company’s responsibilities, and allow them to make informed decisions in a competitive marketplace."
"In one breathe, the CRTC says it wants input but is already limiting the issues it is willing to address," continued Clancy. "Canadians are looking for action on predatory service fees and the outrageous costs of mobile services, not just another lecture about how to spend more wisely."
"I would encourage Canadians to tell the CRTC the real story about the cost of communicating in Canada and demand action."
The online discussion will be open until 8 p.m. (EST) on December 4, 2012. Canadians can participate by visiting: http://consultation.crtc.gc.ca
The comments submitted during this discussion will form part of the proceeding’s public record and will be used to develop a first draft of the code. The CRTC will facilitate a second online consultation from January 28 to February 1, 2013, during which Canadians will be able to see the result of their input and comment on the draft code.
The National Union encourages Canadians to voice their concerns about the wireless industry in Canada during this discussion. NUPGE has been advocating for increased regulation in the sector with an eye to reducing costs and creating fairer contracts for consumers.
More information:
NUPGE Smart Money series: The real cost of communicating
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE