Dec 20, 2018   SOURCE: PR NewsWire

A code for Internet services is good for competition and Canadians

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

Associated Links

Advocating for greater competition
Recent advocacy work
Ensuring truth in advertising

Stay connected:
Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | RSS Feed | Email Distribution List

Restez branchés :
Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Fil RSS | Diffusion électronique des actualités

The Competition Bureau, as an independent law enforcement agency, ensures that Canadian businesses and consumers prosper in a competitive and innovative marketplace.

www.competitionbureau.gc.ca
Enquiries/Complaints

SOURCE Competition Bureau