The CRTC has published a code of conduct for Internet service providers (ISPs) aimed at providing Canadians with more safeguards against the shady practices of Big Telecom. Set to come into effect Jan. 31, the Internet Code is intended to protect Canadians from so-called bill shock and arm consumers with easier-to-understand information on everything from security deposits and disconnections to bundles, time-limited discounts, and data-usage limits. New rules will allow customers to cancel a contract with a service provider within 45 days, without paying an early cancellation fee, if the contract differs from the offer. Once in effect, the code will also obligate ISPs to notify a customer when they reach, 75%, 90% and 100% of their data-usage limit within a single monthly billing cycle. The CRTC consultations on the proposed code of conduct were among the most contentious in recent memory with a number of high-profile Canadian telco researchers and consumer groups opting not to participate due to the tight time frame given (28 business days to prepare initial comments). OpenMedia executive director Laura Tribe says the rushed nature of the proceeding, without adequate consultation from public interest groups, is visible in the final result with the code failing “to provide any meaningful penalties to providers for known systemic issues…” Read the full story here.
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