Canadians can now switch phone plans without paying early exit fees
CRTC ban on activation, modification, and cancellation fees takes effect Friday. Customers can shop for better deals without penalty.
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Starting Friday, June 12, Canadians can change or cancel their phone and internet plans without paying fees — a move by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) designed to give consumers more control over their telecom services.
The new rules prohibit telecommunications providers from charging activation fees when customers sign up for new cell phone or internet plans. Customers can modify existing plans without fees, and early cancellation fees no longer apply unless the device is under contract.
CRTC CEO Vicky Eatrides said the changes are part of the Consumer Protections Action Plan announced in March. "This means that consumers can switch to a better deal without having to pay extra just to get the service that works best for them," Eatrides said. The commission also created the Wireless and Internet Code to help Canadians understand their rights and obligations.
The timing comes as a 2026 survey by U.K. comparison site Broadband Genie ranked Canada highest in North America for expensive internet. Canada ranked 130th globally with average broadband costs of US$55.26 (C$76.99) — the most expensive in North America.
Even before Friday's rules took effect, the CRTC flagged new fees from Bell and Telus that could violate the regulations.