CRTC scolds Bell for new $40 ‘device handling’ fee

The CRTC is reprimanding BCE Inc. for its new one-time $40 charge applied to any Bell Mobility products purchased alongside a wireless plan. In a letter obtained by The Wire Report, CRTC vice-president Scott Hutton suggested the new fee could violate recently-imposed restrictions on activation charges and other consumer-related costs often viewed as a barrier to switching contracts or changing plans. In March, the commission outlined new rules for mobile providers that only allowed for additional one-time fees in specific circumstances, like on-premise WiFi configuration or extraneous product purchases. “A phone is a device that is required for the delivery of the wireless service customers are purchasing,” Hutton wrote Bell lawyer Philippe Gauvin on May 5. “It would not appear that the device handling charge falls under the exemption considered by the Commission for optional services and products.” “It is my hope that this situation can be resolved at this stage and will not require more formal regulatory action on the part of the Commission once the prohibition comes into effect.” The CRTC’s new policy on activation fees is set to take effect on June 12. As reported by other news outlets, Bell introduced the device handling fee shortly after discontinuing an $80 “connection” fee, and the new cost was also applied to Bell’s Virgin Mobile brand. On its website, Bell said the $40 charge, which affects purchases made over the phone, in-person, and online, is needed to “cover fulfillment costs associated with your device order.” In a statement, CRTC spokesperson Megan MacLean said the commission is “taking action to strengthen consumer protections, and recently released three decisions to ensure Canadians have clear information, and make it easier to manage their services and switch plans.” “We are looking into the situation and will not hesitate to take action,” read the statement. “We will keep you apprised of any developments.” Bell did not immediately respond to The Wire Report’s request for comment. dlegree@thewirereport.ca

CRTC scolds Bell for new $40 ‘device handling’ fee

Regulatory |
By Davis Legree
|May 6, 2026

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CRTC scolds Bell for new $40 ‘device handling’ fee

Regulatory | By Davis Legree |May 6, 2026

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