Telecom - Staff Letter addressed to Philippe Gauvin (Bell Canada)
Gatineau, 26 November 2025
References: 1011-NOC2016-0293, 1011-NOC2019-0309
BY EMAIL
Philippe Gauvin
Assistant General Counsel
Bell Canada
Floor 19, 160 Elgin Street
Ottawa, Ontario K2P 2C4
bell.regulatory@bell.ca
Subject: Wireless Code Compliance – Apparent non-compliance of Bell’s device financing practices
Dear Philippe Gauvin,
I have been informed of a new Bell Mobility (Bell) offering that allows customers to rent a device for the duration of their commitment and then pay off the remaining balance over 12 months, as detailed on Bell’s website. At first glance, it would appear that this new offer could be in non-compliance with consumer protections included in the Wireless Code.
As you are aware, the Wireless Code is a mandatory code of conduct for providers of retail mobile wireless voice and data services to individual and small business customers in Canada. The application of the Wireless Code to device financing plans was clarified in Telecom Decision 2021-98.
I have directed the Director of Social and Consumer Policy, Nanao Kachi, to enquire into this situation as it appears that it may negatively impact CRTC consumer protections designed to give consumers the ability to change service providers every two years, barrier free.
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 CRTC.
A copy of this letter will be available on the CRTC’s website and on the record of any other relevant proceeding the CRTC may launch.
Yours sincerely,
Original signed by
Scott Hutton
Vice-President, Consumer, Analytics and Strategy
c.c.: Nanao Kachi, Director, Social and Consumer Policy, CRTC, nanao.kachi@crtc.gc.ca
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