Manitoba’s Cell Phone Contract Laws:
Helpful Information

In Manitoba, there are laws that ensure cell phone contracts are fair and clear for consumers.

It is a good idea to ask for more information on the company’s policies on refunds, repairs, warranties, and equipment before signing a contract. Confirm where cell phone service coverage is available with the provider, as well, to be sure you will have service where you need it.

Your responsibility is to ask those kinds of questions, and read and understand your contract. The cell phone company:

  • must provide a copy of the contract to consumers before the contract begins;
  • must fully disclose and explain all charges, fees and terms;
  • can’t make unilateral changes to contract terms;
  • must allow consumers to cancel contracts at any time for a reasonable cancellation fee;
  • must include the minimum monthly cost in cell phone advertisements; and
  • can’t automatically renew cell phone contracts.

There are some contract options that companies can include at their discretion, including fees. They may:

  • Sell additional warranty protection, as long as the customer is told about any warranty that comes with the cell phone first
  • Charge a fee for paper bills
  • Charge a fee to unlock a phone
  • Collect fees on behalf of third parties if the customer has subscribed to their services (e.g. text messages from a third party that a consumer signs up for, for example,  daily horoscope text messages for a fee)
  • Have contracts that are for three years or longer
  • Automatically extend a contract for up to one month until the customer gives notice that they no longer want service
  • Set expiry dates for prepaid phone services
  • Take appropriate actions to collect any unpaid bills

The laws in Manitoba specifically focus on fair and clear contracts. There may be some issues that consumers have that are not covered by the legislation in Manitoba. For example, the new laws do not require companies to:

  • Unlock the phone at the end of the contract (unless the company stated in the contract that the phone will be unlocked)
  • Provide a refund for the phone or other equipment
  • Replace or repair a phone that is lost or damaged by the customer
  • Send a warning when the customer is about to incur additional charges
  • Provide an upgraded phone under the same contract

Similarly, the Manitoba government does not regulate the following:

  • Prices for cell phones or cell phone service plans
  • Phones and other equipment provided
  • Quality or availability of services
  • Coverage or capacity of the telecommunication networks

The CRTC has The Wireless Code which may address some of the issues that go beyond fair and clear contracts.

Questions or problems with your cell phone contract?
If you have questions about the new rules, or you have a problem with your cell phone contract, you can contact:

Consumer Protection Office
302-258 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 0B6
Telephone (Winnipeg and area): 204-945-3800
Toll-free within Manitoba: 1-800-782-0067
Fax: 204-945-0728
Email: consumers@gov.mb.ca
Website: Consumer Protection Office