CRTC Launches Investigation into Rogers, Bell, and Telus.
On June 30, 2026, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced an investigation into Canada’s three largest telecom companies—Rogers, Bell, and Telus. CRTC has put these companies on notice to justify the fees they have been charging subscribers, which appear to directly contradict the CRTC’s instructions.
The regulator states that these fees likely violate new consumer protection rules that were implemented in June 2026. The three companies have until July 30 to explain why CRTC should not take action against them for ignoring these regulations.
Background: The dispute arises from CRTC’s recent regulations banning telecoms from charging extra fees for activating, changing, or canceling cellphone and internet plans. These prohibited charges include early cancellation fees and the previously common activation fees for phone plans.
The new regulations aim to streamline the process for Canadians who wish to switch phone and internet providers to pursue better deals. However, the CRTC claims that Rogers, Bell, and Telus are blatantly disregarding these rules by introducing new fees that essentially mirror the old, prohibited fees, repackaged in different forms.
Timeline of Events: Between May and mid-June, the CRTC issued stern warnings to the Telecoms about potential violations. Specifically, they highlighted Telus’s new $15 SIM card fee, Bell’s $40 device handling charge, and Rogers’ $40 device setup fee, all of which may infringe upon the new regulations.
Despite these warnings, the companies have maintained that their fees comply with the law.
Matt Hatfield, executive director of the non-profit advocacy group OpenMedia, suggested that telecoms might be unwilling to relent because, even if they ultimately lose this battle, they will have profited while they were able to impose these fees. “Over that time, they will collect more revenue than they expect they’ll be fined,” he noted. “So, it’s in their financial interest to do it.”
If found in violation, the CRTC warns that each company could face penalties of up to $10 million, with individual directors or officers possibly facing additional fines of up to $25,000.
CRTC has also invited public comments on this matter, which can be submitted by July 30. Telecom companies will have until August 10 to respond.
Hatfield expressed hope that if the CRTC prevails in this fight, it will compel telecoms to refund the disputed fees. “I think the CRTC needs to ensure that this is a detrimental experience for the telecoms, one they won’t repeat,” he said.
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