CRTC Re-Allows Phone Locking

 

 

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has temporarily allowed telecom companies to sell locked cellphones. The decision will be very beneficial for major companies such as Bell and Telus.

However, according to the new consumer law, if a customer requests it, the phone must be unlocked immediately without any additional cost. Or, the phones must be set up to unlock themselves within two business days. The CRTC's new decision follows complaints from companies that unlocked phones are more likely to be stolen and resold.

Locking phones was banned in Canada in 2017 to make it easier to switch mobile service providers. Unlocking is being kept free and easy to protect consumers' freedom along with security. The CRTC clarified that the new decision is temporary and that the current terms will continue until a final decision is made on the matter.