Canadians may soon get relief from harsh cellphone early termination fees

The provincial government of Ontario is pushing for new legislation that would protect consumers from otherwise strict penalties when canceling cellular service early—before the end of a contract. The Wireless Services Agreement Act, which is being tabled by Ontario's Liberal government, would require contracts to be easier to understand, expressed consent for renewals or changes, and a reduction in cancellation fees for those planning to leave a contract early. According to member of provincial parliament David Orazietti, the bill "contains measures that will reduce costs, cap cancellation fees, prevent automatic renewal and make cellphone contracts considerably more fair and transparent," according to a report by The Globe and Mail. How the government would enforce and implement these measures is thus far unclear. In Canada, other provinces—including Manitoba and Newfoundland and Labrador—are close to introducing similar legislation. Unlike the United States, where a typical cellular ...

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