Cellphone fees taken to task

CANADA/TECHNOLOGY - A Liberal politician in Ontario wants wireless companies to stop confusing consumers with complex cellphone contracts and high fees. David Orazietti has introduced a private member's bill in the provincial legislature that would stop unfair practices by wireless service providers.

If passed, the bill would:

Reduce cancellation fees;

Make advertising and costs transparent;

Clarify and simplify contracts.

This way consumers will know what they're paying for and aren't getting ripped off when their cellphone bill comes and has extra charges on it.

Companies would also be forced to unlock any phone once it's paid for, even if they haven't agreed to a contract, so buyers can switch service providers the same day without their phone being relocked and re-unlocked.

Quebec already implemented similar legislation in July.