Telecom - Staff Letter addressed to Stephen Schmidt (TELUS Communications Inc.)
Gatineau, 8 July 2026
Reference: 8665-T66-202603464
TELUS Part 1 application posted on 8 July 2026
BY EMAIL
Stephen Schmidt
Vice-President – Telecom Policy & Chief Regulatory Legal Counsel
TELUS Communications Inc.
regulatory.affairs@telus.com
Subject: TELUS – Part 1 Application to implement a 60-day device lock on a temporary and permanent basis
Dear Stephen Schmidt,
On 22 May 2026, TELUS Communications Inc. (TELUS) filed a Part 1 Application seeking temporary and permanent authorization for wireless service providers (WSPs) to implement a 60-day device lock on new subsidized or financed devices. TELUS requested that the temporary authorization for the 60-day device lock take effect 60 days from the date of its application. It also requested that the permanent authorization for the 60-day device lock be made permanent through formal amendments to the Wireless Code.
By means of this letter, Commission staff is informing you that TELUS’ Part 1 application has been posted on the Commission’s website.
At paragraphs 13, 112, and 175 of its application, TELUS indicates that it intends to implement a temporary 60-day device lock on all new device activations on 30 July 2026. TELUS submits that this measure is a necessary and immediate response to protect TELUS’ employees, customers, and the integrity of its network while its application is under consideration. Although Commission staff acknowledges TELUS’ submissions on safety and security, staff reminds TELUS that WSPs are responsible for remaining compliant with the Wireless Code at all times. Therefore, the current rules in the Wireless Code requiring WSPs to provide customers with unlocked devices remain in effect unless and until the Commission makes an express decision otherwise.
In this regard, the interim relief portion of TELUS’ application, which requests a temporary authorization to implement a 60-day device lock on all new device activations, will be considered on the following basis:
- Interested persons may submit comments limited to the interim relief requested in TELUS’ application by 28 July 2026.
- TELUS may submit a reply by 4 August 2026.
As for the request to amend the requirements set out in the Wireless Code, Commission staff notes that the ongoing Harmonizing the consumer protection codes, Broadcasting and Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2026-134, would be the appropriate forum for parties to submit suggestions to amend this consumer protection, as other, similar consumer protections that are already being considered in that proceeding. As such, Commission staff invites TELUS as well as any other interested parties to submit their comments on TELUS’ proposal for permanent authorization in that proceeding by no later than 11 August 2026.
A copy of this letter will be posted on the Commission’s website.
Sincerely,
Nanao Kachi
Director, Social and Consumer Policy, CRTC,
cc: Keldon Bester, CAMP, keldon@antimonopoly.ca
Tahira Dawood, PIAC, tdawood@piac.ca
Monica Auer, FRPC, execdir@frpc.net
bell.regulatory@bell.ca;
geoff@brooketel.ca;
Regulatory@brucetelecom.com;
Regulatory.Matters@corp.eastlink.ca;
regulatory@corp.wightman.ca;
martha.facey@execulink.com;
a.lawrence@hay.net;
ryan.mcclinchey@hurontel.on.ca;
regulatory@icewireless.com;
regulatory@iristel.com;
knaylor@mornington.ca;
lhallahan@mornington.ca;
regulatory@quadro.net;
regaffairs@quebecor.com;
melanie.cardin@quebecor.com;
rwi_gr@rci.rogers.com;
document.control@sasktel.com;
richard.biron@sogetel.com;
stephen.scofich@tbaytel.com;
regulatory@tccmail.ca;
reglementa@telebec.com;
regulatory.affairs@telus.com;
scott_laird@ztarmobile.com;
- Date modified: