A significant change in Canada's telecommunications landscape will take effect this week, as the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) implements a ban on activation, plan-change, and cancellation fees for phone and internet services. This initiative, part of the Consumer Protections Action Plan announced in March, aims to facilitate easier switching between providers and plans without incurring additional costs. Previously, activation fees ranged from approximately $30 to $80, which discouraged consumers from pursuing more competitive offers. CRTC chairperson Vicky Eatrides emphasized that this decision empowers Canadians to choose better deals without the burden of extra fees. Despite being the most expensive G7 country for broadband services, with an average monthly cost of $113.11 for high-speed internet, recent data indicates a decline in prices for both mobile and broadband services from 2020 to 2024. The removal of these fees is expected to further enhance consumer flexibility and savings in the telecommunications market.