Your Cell Phone Contract: Rights Under the CRTC's Wireless Code

The Wireless Code is a set of rules from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) for cell phone and mobile service contracts with individuals and small businesses.

Your key rights

• Cancel anytime: no cancellation fee beyond any remaining device balance.
• Device balance paid off in two years at most.
• Trial period: you can cancel a new contract within 15 days, using up to half your monthly usage, and return the device. People with disabilities get 30 days.
• Unlocked phones: new phones must be provided unlocked, and you can have an existing phone unlocked for free.
• Overage caps: your provider must suspend data overage charges at $50 a month, and roaming data charges at $100 a month, unless you agree to pay more.
• Plain-language contract: you must get a clear contract and a summary of critical information.

Changes to your contract

Your provider can't change key terms, such as the price of your plan, without your consent during the contract.

Locked out or lost phone

You can ask your provider to suspend service, for free, if your phone is lost or stolen.

Problems with your provider

1. Contact your provider and ask for a supervisor if needed.
2. If it isn't resolved, complain to the Commission for Complaints for Telecom-television Services (CCTS). It is free.

Sources

• CRTC: the Wireless Code
• Commission for Complaints for Telecom-television Services

Read next: Problem With Your Phone, Internet or TV Provider? Try the CCTS

General Ontario legal information, not legal advice for your matter, and reading it does not create a retainer. Sources checked 15 October 2026: check the current law, forms and dates before you act.

Photos from Pexels: A text message conversation on a phone · Paying with a contactless card at a terminal.

This article is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.