A code for Internet services is good for competition and Canadians
Press Release
December 20, 2018 – OTTAWA, ON – Competition Bureau
The Competition Bureau recommends increased clarity in pricing and contract conditions to strengthen the CRTC’s proposed code for Internet services.
In response to the CRTC’s call for comments, the Bureau has made the following five recommendations:
- Customers should receive quotes that are clear, simple and standardized;
- Advertised prices should include all mandatory fees;
- Services represented as “unlimited” should actually be unlimited;
- The code should be competitively neutral, without being overly burdensome; and,
- The code should be reviewed regularly, and at the same time as other codes.
The Bureau expects that the recommended changes will benefit both consumers and competition. Canadians will be able to pick the plan and service provider that best meets their needs, and providers will maintain the ability to create innovative service bundles at better prices.
For more information, please see our submission to the CRTC.
Quotes
“We’re pleased to provide recommendations to the CRTC for the implementation of a mandatory code for Internet services. We strongly encourage a balance between regulation and competition that benefits Canadian consumers.”
Matthew Boswell,
Interim Commissioner of Competition
Quick facts
- On November 9, 2018, the CRTC posted a notice calling for detailed comments on the creation of a mandatory code for Internet services.
- The Competition Bureau’s recommendation to implement a visual price quote is based on findings from studies in behavioural economics.
- A study by the Danish Competition and Consumer Authority aimed at improving the effectiveness of terms and conditions found that terms and conditions need to be simple, easy to locate and easy to compare across competitors.
Related products
- Submission by the Interim Commissioner of Competition — Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2018-422 — Proceeding to establish a mandatory code for Internet services
- Competition Bureau submission to the CRTC consultation on wireless code of conduct
- Competition Bureau Broadband Market Study
- Competition Advocate: Balancing regulation and competition
Associated links
Contacts
For media enquiries, please contact:
Media Relations
Telephone: 819-994-5945
Email: ic.media-cb-bc.ic@canada.ca
For general enquiries, please contact:
Information Centre
Competition Bureau
Telephone: 819-997-4282
Toll free: 1-800-348-5358
TTY (hearing impaired): 1-866-694-8389
www.competitionbureau.gc.ca
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