Canadians can now change their phone or internet plans for free
A new ban on certain phone and internet fees just made it much easier for Canadians to change or cancel plans before their contracts end.
Starting Friday, Canadians no longer have to pay fees associated with cancelling or modifying internet or phone plans.
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), an organization that regulates the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors, announced these changes to the Consumer Protections Action Plan in March.
As of Friday, the new rules prohibit telecommunications providers from charging customers activation fees when they sign up for new cell phone or internet plans.
Customers can also no longer be charged fees if they want to modify their existing plans. And unless you have a device that’s under contract with your service provider, you’ll no longer be charged for early cancellation fees.
The new rule has just made it easier for Canadians to manage their plans and make the most of better offers without worrying about surprise costs.
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“We are taking action to give Canadians more control over their Internet and cellphone services,” said CRTC CEO Vicky Eatrides. “This means that consumers can switch to a better deal without having to pay extra just to get the service that works best for them.”
The Commission also created the Wireless and Internet Code so Canadians can better understand their rights and obligations in their contracts with wireless or internet service providers.
According to a 2026 survey by the U.K.-based comparison website Broadband Genie, Canadians have the most expensive internet in North America.
“The highest-ranking country is Canada, ranked 130th, with an average broadband cost of US$55.26 (C$76.99),” reads the report.
However, even before the rules took effect, the CRTC had flagged new fees from Bell and Telus that could potentially violate these regulations.
With files from Isabelle Docto