Canadian Regulator Mandates Unlocking Cellphones Starting Dec. 1

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) ruled that as of Dec. 1 all individual and small business wireless customers can have their cellphones and other mobile devices unlocked free of charge upon request. All new devices must be provided unlocked starting that date. The CRTC also said in a Thursday news release that subscribers unhappy with their service will be allowed to cancel their contract within 15 days and return their device in near-new condition at no cost provided they have used less than half their monthly usage limits.