{"id":134467,"date":"2026-07-09T16:13:35","date_gmt":"2026-07-09T16:13:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mailinvest.blog\/index.php\/2026\/07\/09\/telus-wants-crtc-to-bring-back-phone-locking-to-prevent-theft\/"},"modified":"2026-07-09T16:14:32","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T16:14:32","slug":"telus-wants-crtc-to-bring-back-phone-locking-to-prevent-theft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mailinvest.blog\/index.php\/2026\/07\/09\/telus-wants-crtc-to-bring-back-phone-locking-to-prevent-theft\/","title":{"rendered":"Telus wants CRTC to bring back phone locking to prevent theft"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/a>\n
<\/p>\n

\n

Vancouver-based nationwide telecom Telus needs the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Fee (CRTC) to deliver again gadget locking to stop fraud and theft.<\/p>\n

Telus filed an software with the fee in Could 2026 in search of a overview of Canada\u2019s Wi-fi Code so as to add a brand new, short-term 60-day gadget locking interval for smartphones and different cellular units. Whereas the provider finally needs a everlasting change to the Wi-fi Code, it additionally requested a short lived allowance to lock units till the code may be amended. Additional, Telus stated it’ll begin locking units on July 30, 2026.<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, the CRTC banned device locking practices back in 2017<\/a> and eradicated unlocking charges as effectively. Abolishing gadget locking and related charges made it simpler for folks to change wi-fi suppliers, as their gadget wouldn\u2019t be locked to a single supplier.<\/p>\n

In its software, Telus stated it needs units to be locked for 60 days beginning on the day the gadget is activated, and for the lock to solely apply to \u201csponsored or financed units offered along side a wi-fi providers time period contract.\u201d Additional, Telus needs units to robotically unlock on the finish of the 60-day interval, so long as clients\u2019 accounts stay in good standing. It additionally outlined exceptions for purchasers who have to unlock a tool early for official causes, akin to journey, switching carriers, and extra.<\/p>\n

Why lock units in any respect? Telus says it\u2019s due to theft and fraud.<\/p>\n

A story as previous as time<\/del> 2017<\/h2>\n

Even again in 2017, when the gadget locking prohibition got here into place, carriers had been bemoaning the dangers of theft and fraud, and it\u2019s been a typical argument ever since. That features final yr, when Bell violated the Wi-fi Code by locking devices for 60 days<\/a>. The transfer spurred the CRTC to order Bell to stop selling locked devices<\/a>. Previous to that, Bell had locked devices in its stores up until the point of activation<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In its software to the CRTC, Telus reiterated many of those identical complaints. The provider claims unlocking guidelines \u201cinadvertently reworked smartphones right into a extremely liquid forex that drive violent robberies.\u201d Telus additionally says that device-related fraud is on the rise, saying \u201cunhealthy actors use stolen identities to open new wi-fi accounts, damaging the credit score scores of victims,\u201d and in addition take over current accounts to interact in unauthorized actions.<\/p>\n