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CRTC asks Canadians for feedback on national wireless services code

We're not quite there yet, but Canadians are one step closer to having improved clarity from wireless companies as to the conditions of their cellular contracts.

In a press release today, the CRTC announced it is seeking the public's opinion on a national code for wireless services. According to CRTC chairman Jean-Pierre Blaid, the aim of the code would be to help consumers make "informed choices in a competitive marketplace," The Canadian Press reports.

The CRTC wants feedback on issues such as what terms and conditions should be addressed in a code for mobile device companies, who should be covered by the code, how it should be enforced and how it's effectiveness should be assessed, Mobile Syrup says.

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The site also reports that when acting chairman Leonard Katz was in charge of the CRTC, he said the regulatory body wanted to see if "the wireless market has changed enough to warrant its intervention." This announcement seeking feedback seems to confirm that it did, in fact, merit its input, or at least a further discussion with the public's involvement.

It seems that reaction to the progression of the code has been largely favourable from all those involved. WIND Mobile issued a statement on Thursday saying it supported the move, provided it was enforced correctly:

"While this is a positive initiative for consumers, we need to make sure it isn't watered down in the end. Canadians need a code of conduct that is both mandatory and with enforceable consequences for breaches," said Tony Lacavera, chairman and CEO of WIND Mobile in the press release.

Those who are familiar with WIND Mobile likely aren't shocked that the company would take such a hardline approach for those in breach of contract: WIND has built its reputation in Canada on undercutting the major mobile providers in Canada , not charging cancellation fees and not making it mandatory for users to get long-term contracts in order to get the best deal on a phone. These continue to be major issues that Canadian customers face, and hopefully these will be resolved throughout all companies if this code does get implemented.

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Anyone interested in helping to shape this code are invited to share their opinion at the CRTC's website (click on notice number "2012-557") until November 20. On January 28, 2013, a public hearing to discuss the future of the wireless code will be held.