OTTAWA-GATINEAU, November 13, 2012 — Today, the Canadian Radio-television
and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) launched an online discussion to
facilitate broader discussion among Canadians on a new code for wireless
services, such as cellphones and other personal mobile devices. This
discussion is part of a proceeding that will include a public hearing
beginning on February 11, 2013, in Gatineau, Que.“We encourage Canadians to join the online discussion and have their say
on how wireless contracts could be clearer and easier to understand,”
said Jean-Pierre Blais, Chairman of the CRTC. “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.”
 
The CRTC recently examined the wireless market and found that contracts
were a source of significant concern for many Canadians. 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.
 
Through the online discussion, Canadians are invited to discuss the
following questions:
 
• What should be in the wireless code? 
• How should complaints related to the wireless code be resolved? 
• How should the wireless code be promoted and reviewed to ensure it is
working? 
 
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.
 
Reference documents:
 
Fact sheet on how to participate in a CRTC public proceeding

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/info_sht/g4.htm

 
News release, "CRTC invites Canadians to participate in the development of
a code for cellphones and other mobile devices," October 11, 2012

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/com100/2012/r121011.htm

 
Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC-2012-557

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2012/2012-557.htm

 
Telecom Decision CRTC 2012-556

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2012/2012-556.htm

 
Video on the wireless code discussion