After CBC News ran a story about a cellphone customer who got hit with a $24,000 data roaming charge, more customers started writing in with their own nightmare bill stories.
And most involved big data charges.
“It’s still haunting me and makes me angry,” wrote Toronto’s Lobsang Yargye, who received an unexpected data roaming bill for $1,117.
As we do more of our living online, we’re developing an even greater thirst for wireless data. And often, it doesn’t come cheap.
Canada’s Wireless Code was created in 2013 to help protect consumers from runaway charges. But even the country’s regulator acknowledges it needs fine-tuning.
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission is reviewing the code. And critics say it’s time for the CRTC to put some tougher measures in place to ensure Canadians don’t get stung by excessive wireless fees.
“Data can be very expensive, especially if you go over your plan,” said Alysia Lau, legal counsel for the Public Interest Advocacy Centre in Ottawa. “We think protection from data bill shock is absolutely important.”
Sophia Harris – CBC News – February 19, 2017.
Want More Investigative Content?
