Quick Answer
The CRTC is investigating Bell, Rogers and TELUS for charging banned activation fees since June 2026. If the regulator rules against the providers, newcomers could save $15–$40 on phone plan setup costs.
What’s Changing for Canadian Phone Plans?
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) launched a public consultation on July 14, 2026, to investigate whether Canada’s three biggest carriers are violating new consumer protection rules. Since June 12, 2026, telecom giants have been banned from charging activation fees, modification fees or any other costs meant to discourage customers from switching providers. The CRTC now suspects Bell, Rogers and TELUS of disguising these prohibited fees within other charges.
The investigation centres on three specific fees: a $40 device handling fee charged by Bell when customers buy a phone with a plan, a $15 fee for physical SIM cards and eSIMs imposed by TELUS, and Rogers’ $40 device setup fee plus shipping charges for online device purchases and SIM-related fees.
If the CRTC determines these fees violate the June 2026 rules, they could be banned outright. The companies may also face penalties as steep as $10 million each.
| Before June 12, 2026 | After June 12, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Activation fees allowed if disclosed. | All activation, modification and switching fees banned. |
| Newcomers paid $15–$40 in extra fees. | Potential savings of $15–$40 if CRTC bans disputed fees. |
$40
Highest disputed fee (Bell/Rogers device setup)
June 12, 2026
Date activation fees were banned
📅 Key Date
July 30, 2026: Deadline to submit public comments to the CRTC investigation. Newcomers and consumers can share their experiences here.
Who Benefits Most from the CRTC Investigation?
Anyone new to Canada stands to gain the most from this crackdown. Unlike established residents who often renew existing plans, newcomers typically open brand-new accounts and wind up paying the very fees now under scrutiny. A Canadian phone number is usually required to apply for jobs, open bank accounts and register for provincial healthcare, so lower upfront costs could make settling in a little easier.
Consider Aisha, a software engineer from Nigeria who landed in Toronto in June 2026. She needed a phone plan fast to apply for jobs and secure an apartment. Under Bell’s current policy she paid a $40 device handling fee when she bought her phone with the plan. If the CRTC bans that fee, she could have put that $40 toward groceries or transit passes instead.
International students and temporary workers stand to benefit as well. Many shop around for cheaper plans after their first year, but activation fees can make switching painful. For example, a post-graduation work permit holder who moves from Rogers to a budget provider like Public Mobile or Koodo could save between $15 and $40 on the way out—provided the disputed fees are wiped out.
Permanent residents waiting for citizenship may see savings too. Even though they’re less likely to open brand-new accounts, those who do switch providers to cut monthly bills could dodge the disputed fees altogether—especially helpful for PRs on tighter budgets trying to save for citizenship application fees or language tests.
Your Action Plan: How to Save on Phone Fees Now
To keep costs down before the CRTC reaches a decision, start by comparing plans using tools like WhistleOut or Hardbacon. Some newcomer-friendly providers, such as PhoneBox (partnered with Moving2Canada), even discount activation fees for new arrivals.
Next, steer clear of phone-and-plan bundles if the disputed fees apply. Buying your device outright or choosing a prepaid plan avoids the charges altogether.
Make your voice heard by submitting a comment to the CRTC before July 30, 2026. Share your experience with activation fees directly on the CRTC site. The regulator reviews every public submission before making its final call.
Always ask about newcomer promotions when you sign up with providers like Fido, Koodo or Virgin Mobile; they sometimes waive activation fees for new customers. Keep an eye on the CRTC website for updates—if the fees are banned, providers may issue refunds or credits to people who’ve already paid them.
Pro Tip
Border agents and landlords often demand a Canadian phone number during your first weeks here. If you’re arriving soon, grab a prepaid SIM from Public Mobile or Chatr to dodge activation fees entirely. You can always upgrade to a postpaid plan once the CRTC investigation wraps up.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are these fees illegal under the new CRTC rules?
The CRTC hasn’t ruled yet, but the regulator has signalled that Bell, Rogers and TELUS may be breaking the June 2026 ban on activation fees. The carriers claim the charges are for optional services, but the CRTC disagrees. A decision is due later in 2026.
2. How much could I save if the CRTC bans these fees?
Newcomers stand to save anywhere from $15 to $40, depending on the provider. Bell and Rogers can charge up to $40 for device setup, while TELUS levies a $15 SIM-card fee. If the CRTC bans these charges, you won’t pay them when you start or switch a plan.
3. Can I get a refund if I already paid these fees?
Possibly. Once the CRTC issues its ruling, the carriers might issue refunds or account credits to anyone who paid the disputed fees. Hold onto your receipts and watch for updates from the CRTC and your provider.
4. Will this investigation lower my monthly phone bill?
No—the probe targets one-time activation fees, not recurring monthly charges. Still, eliminating these upfront costs could make it cheaper to switch providers, which can spark more competition and eventually push monthly rates down.
📋 Official Source
Verified against the official CRTC consultation page. Always confirm with canada.ca before making decisions about your phone plan.
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