Close X
Friday, November 29, 2024
ADVT 
National

CRTC Won't Force Wireless Telecom Companies To Offer Bills On Paper

Darpan News Desk, 03 Mar, 2020 08:06 PM

    OTTAWA - Canada's telecom regulator won't force mobile service providers to offer customers paper invoices, at least not yet.

     

    But the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission is opening a consultation to learn more about whether there's a "market failure" that demands the government step in.

     

    Two advocacy groups wanted the CRTC to force Telus-owned Koodo Mobile to reverse its move to electronic billing for all but a select few of its customers.

     

    John Lawford with the Public Interest Advocacy Centre, which filed a formal complaint to the CRTC alongside the National Pensioners Federation, said Canadians have a right to receive paper bills— at no cost — under changes to the Telecommunications Act passed in 2014.

     

    Koodo argued that, while the law says telecom companies cannot charge a fee for invoicing, they are not compelled to actually provide paper bills.

     

    Since Koodo began switching to electronic bills in early 2015, most other wireless carriers, including Telus, have followed suit. Rogers is planning to do the same as of March 26.

     

    As long as companies clearly spell out their invoicing policies to new customers, the CRTC ruled Tuesday, "the offering of paper bills may operate as a competitive incentive, and that one communications service provider's refusal to cater to such a demand can be another provider's opportunity to gain a customer."

     

    But, says the ruling, the investigation of this particular complaint was narrow.

     

    "The evidence on the record of this proceeding is insufficient for the commission to conclude that the marketplace has failed to meet an economic or social need regarding the provision of paper bills and that commission intervention is warranted, since the evidence related largely to Koodo," it says.

     

    So the CRTC is seeking more information about other providers' practices, and whether there's a need for regulations, especially to protect people who might have trouble paying bills online. It's seeking input on both telecom and broadcasting services. Providers will have a month to file information on their invoicing practices. Further examination of the issues will take until the end of May.

     

    MORE National ARTICLES

    NDP Throne Speech In B.C. Highlights Accomplishments At Midway Point Of Mandate

    NDP Throne Speech In B.C. Highlights Accomplishments At Midway Point Of Mandate
    The speech, read by Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin, outlined the government's political accomplishments during its time in power before promising a better future.

    NDP Throne Speech In B.C. Highlights Accomplishments At Midway Point Of Mandate

    Caller Posing As Whistler RCMP Officer Scams Victim Out Of Thousands Of Dollars

    Caller Posing As Whistler RCMP Officer Scams Victim Out Of Thousands Of Dollars
    On February 4, 2020 at approximately 11:00 AM, Whistler RCMP were advised that a victim had been defrauded of thousands of dollars.

    Caller Posing As Whistler RCMP Officer Scams Victim Out Of Thousands Of Dollars

    Kelowna Transit Bus Driver Allegedly Caught Drunk After Complaint From Passenger

    Kelowna Transit Bus Driver Allegedly Caught Drunk After Complaint From Passenger
    The driver, a 52 year old man, was issued a 90 day Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP)

    Kelowna Transit Bus Driver Allegedly Caught Drunk After Complaint From Passenger

    Off-Duty Police Officer Helps Nab Suspected Thief: Kelowna RCMP

    The 42 year-old Kelowna man has been remanded into custody. His name is not being released at this time.

    Off-Duty Police Officer Helps Nab Suspected Thief: Kelowna RCMP

    Surrey Man Allan McCrea , 66, Found Dead

    McCrae had last been seen in the 16700-block of Fraser Highway. His body was found in the 17600-block of Fraser Highway on Feb. 1.    

    Surrey Man Allan McCrea , 66, Found Dead

    Police Raise Safety Concerns: Do You Know Who Your Child Is Talking To Online?

    Some of the popular gaming and messaging apps connect youth with complete strangers. Do you know who your child is talking to online? Keep up with the latest online trends among youth by signing up for Cybertip alerts

    Police Raise Safety Concerns: Do You Know Who Your Child Is Talking To Online?