Bell violated Canadian wireless regulations when it began selling cellphones locked to its network for up to 60 days after purchase, according to the CRTC.

The CRTC has told Bell to immediately stop the practice and unlock any cellphones on its network free of charge.

“The commission is concerned that Bell has opted to disregard a key consumer protection outlined in the code, which is not in the best interest of consumers,” CRTC secretary general Marc Morin wrote in a public letter on Nov. 28 .

The CRTC mandated in 2017 that networks sell phones unlocked to customers, meaning the device can be used on another network.

A year later, Bell said the move had caused a spike in phone thefts — including “multiple instances of armed robberies at our stores targeting unlocked, new devices,” t

See Full Page