The Radio, Television and Telecommunications Commission of Canada ruled on Thursday that Telus could not charge a credit card processing fee for its regulated home phone services.
This ruling applies to Alberta and BC services covered by CRTCusually home phone services in some smaller communities.
As of October 6, most Canadian businesses, except in Quebec, can charge their customers for credit card transactions, following a class action lawsuit filed by retailers against Visa, MasterCard and card issuers.
CRTC says more time is needed to consider Telus’ request for additional credit card fees
Read more
Quebec was not included in this determination because the province’s Consumer Protection Act prohibits the application of such surcharges.
On August 8, Telus applied to CRTC to impose a credit card processing fee of 1.5%, plus tax, on payments made by credit card.
Above. On October 17, Telus began charging credit card customers in areas where the CRTC does not regulate service, including customers using wireless and internet services outside of Quebec.
Telus doesn’t need to get CRTC permission to add a surcharge to its unregulated services, but the organization said it’s “very concerned” about the practice because it goes against its ability to pay and its interests. consumers.
Ian Scott, president and chief executive officer of CRTC, said: “We’ve heard Canadians say it loud and clear: almost 4,000 of you told us you shouldn’t have to pay extra fees based on the method you choose to pay your bill. statement. “We hope the telecom industry will treat Canadians with respect and do even better.”
With the ruling, the CRTC said, it is sending a “clear message” to Telus and other telecom service providers thinking of imposing fees like this on their customers.
© 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
