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New cellphone regulations came into effect today! Here’s what you need to know!

 

1. No more cancellation fees after two years

Basically the message is: you’re free to go tomorrow at no charge if you signed up [for a three-year contract] before June 3, 2013.

Those who signed up for a three-year contract after June 3 but before Dec. 2 would still incur a penalty if they break their contract. But that penalty “would be a small amount.

You can get a better idea of your potential cancellation fees on the CRTC’s site.

 

2. Millions will be affected by the changes

According to Scotia Capital analysts, between 2.2 million and four million subscribers of Rogers, Bell and Telus, which have the overwhelming majority of cellphone customers, were estimated to still be on three-year contracts at the end of last year. As of Wednesday, those customers will all effectively be “free agents.” And when combined with the customers whose contracts are already naturally ending in June, that will tip the scales of power to benefit the consumer.

 

3. Expect more deals

There is going to be a lot of opportunity for savings if you’re in a position to re-enter the market.

So it’s a huge win for Canadians who have been trapped in a contract and an opportunity for millions of Canadians to change providers and negotiate a better deal.

Because there are all these offers to catch these people who are dropping off three-year contracts you might want to switch and pay out your contract, even if it’s not that old, because there are all these great deals on the market – like more data,

 

4. Reduced roaming charges

While this part of CRTC’s new wireless code is already in place, it’s still more good news for consumers. Extra data charges and international data roaming charges are now capped to prevent bill shock (so you don’t have to fear getting a $20,000 data roaming bill).

Last month, in what appeared to be a breakthrough for demanding more competition for wireless service providers, the CRTC announced it will regulate roaming rates what the big three companies — Bell, Rogers and Telus — charge the smaller companies with Canada.

 

5.Where to go to complain

If you’re still confused or feel your cellphone company wants to charge you for something that goes against the new wireless code, you’re encouraged to file a complaint with the Commissioner for Complaints for Telecommunications Services (CCTS).

 

Original article via Global News