Telecom - Staff Letter addressed to Philippe Gauvin (Bell Canada)
Gatineau, 12 June 2026
Reference: 1011-NOC2024-0294
BY EMAIL
Philippe Gauvin
Assistant General Counsel
Bell Canada
bell.regulatory@bell.ca
Subject: Request for information – Bell’s new Device Handling Charge
Dear Philippe Gauvin,
As you are aware, Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2026-43, Prohibition of fees that are a barrier to switching cellphone and Internet plans, comes into effect today, 12 June 2026. It set out the type of activation, modification, and cancellation fees that are prohibited by s. 27.04 of the Telecommunications Act (the Act).
Following the announcement of Bell’s new device handling charge, Scott Hutton, Vice-President, Consumer, Analytics and Strategy, sent you a letter on 6 May 2026, informing you that it would not appear that the device handling charge falls under the exemption considered by the Commission for optional services and products in the above-noted policy.
On 10 June 2026, you replied to the letter sent 6 May 2026, indicating that you disagree and believe that your device handling fee is fully compliant with the Act and the Wireless Code.
I’m requesting that you confirm whether Bell has nonetheless ceased its practice of charging a device handling charge to customers opting to purchase a device along with their wireless service plan. This information must be submitted to the Commission by no later than 17 June 2026.
As noted in Mr. Hutton’s letter, he had hoped that this situation could be resolved before the Commission takes more formal regulatory action now that the prohibition has come into effect. Commission staff will consider all available compliance options to ensure that fees that are a barrier to switching cellphone and Internet plans are prohibited as intended by the Act.
Sincerely,
Original signed by
Nanao Kachi
Director, Social and Consumer Policy, CRTC
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