OTTAWA, Dec. 20, 2018 /CNW/ - The Competition Bureau recommends increased clarity in pricing and contract conditions to strengthen the CRTC's proposed code for Internet services.
In response to the CRTC's call for comments, the Bureau has made the following five recommendations:
- Customers should receive quotes that are clear, simple and standardized;
- Advertised prices should include all mandatory fees;
- Services represented as "unlimited" should actually be unlimited;
- The code should be competitively neutral, without being overly burdensome; and,
- The code should be reviewed regularly, and at the same time as other codes.
The Bureau expects that the recommended changes will benefit both consumers and competition. Canadians will be able to pick the plan and service provider that best meets their needs, and providers will maintain the ability to create innovative service bundles at better prices.
For more information, please see our submission to the CRTC.
Quick Facts
- On November 9, 2018, the CRTC posted a notice calling for detailed comments on the creation of a mandatory code for Internet services.
- The Competition Bureau's recommendation to implement a visual price quote is based on findings from studies in behavioural economics.
- A study by the Danish Competition and Consumer Authority aimed at improving the effectiveness of terms and conditions found that terms and conditions need to be simple, easy to locate and easy to compare across competitors.
Quote
"We're pleased to provide recommendations to the CRTC for the implementation of a mandatory code for Internet services. We strongly encourage a balance between regulation and competition that benefits Canadian consumers."
Matthew Boswell,
Interim Commissioner of Competition
Related Information
Submission by the Interim Commissioner of Competition
Competition Bureau submission to the CRTC consultation on wireless code of conduct
Competition Bureau Broadband Market Study
Competition Advocate: Balancing regulation and competition
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