Overview
- Canada’s telecom regulator told Bell in a letter that the new $40 device handling fee may violate rules that ban activation charges starting June 12.
- Bell recently dropped an $80 connection fee and introduced the $40 charge for customers who buy a phone through Bell or Virgin Plus.
- The CRTC argued that a phone is required to deliver wireless service, so a fee tied to providing a device may count as a prohibited activation fee.
- The commission urged Bell to resolve the issue before the ban takes effect, while Bell says the charge covers fulfillment costs and complies with the rules.
- For customers, the charge adds cost when purchasing a handset from the carrier, and the outcome could shape what extra fees wireless buyers face under the new policy.