CRTC Temporarily Suspends Immediate Mobile Handset Unlock Mandate for Wireless Carriers

OTTAWA, ON — The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced a temporary regulatory variance to the Wireless Code on Tuesday, permitting mobile carriers to sell wireless devices in a locked status subject to strict automated unlock timelines.

Regulatory Modification and Fraud Prevention

Under the original 2017 Wireless Code rules, all mobile devices sold in Canada were required to be provided unlocked to facilitate carrier switching and consumer choice. The CRTC's temporary suspension follows petitions from major national carriers (Rogers, Bell, and Telus) documenting an acute rise in organized retail fraud and bulk black-market handset trafficking.

Under the new interim rules, carriers may lock new subsidized handsets upon sale but must automatically unlock the device free of charge within two business days or immediately upon subscriber request once initial account verification is completed.

Consumer Advocacy and Switching Safeguards

Consumer advocacy groups, including the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC), expressed measured support for anti-fraud measures while cautioning that temporary rules must not re-establish artificial switching barriers for Canadian consumers.

The CRTC emphasized that carriers are strictly prohibited from charging any handset unlocking fees and must provide transparent disclosures during contract signing.

Review Timeline and Public Consultation

The temporary variance will remain in effect for 18 months while the CRTC conducts a comprehensive public proceeding on telecom fraud mitigation and hardware portability standards.