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“Canadian cellphone companies are giving customers the ability to refuse mid-term changes to their contracts under a new wireless code of conduct.”

CBC News reported last month that the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association has made changes to the way that wireless carriers can make changes to customer contracts.  Customers will now be allowed to cancel their contract without early cancellation fees if their carrier makes material changes to that contract.

“In the case of such material changes that are unfavourable to customers, we either give them the right to terminate the contract without any additional fees for early termination, or allow them to remain on the unchanged contract,” the code on the CWTA website says.

This is only applicable to those customers that have fixed contracts, so pay as you go cellular plans are not included, but the code does include all carriers who have fixed term contracts.  Historically carriers have charged about $20 per month, for each remaining month in a contract, for the cancellation of a voice plan on their network.

“The CCTS will resolve and hear complaints and they will adjudicate against the code and, therefore, enforce the code,” CWTA president Bernard Lord said. “That’s one thing that’s very clear here and different from similar codes you’ll find in other countries, and that is that our code links to a third-party adjudicator.”

So far, the code has been signed on by every major Canadian cellphone carrier — including Bell, Rogers and Telus and their subsidiary brands Solo, Virgin, Fido and Koodo as have new entrants starting service within the next few months.

For more on this article visit the CBC News Story here:

http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2009/09/01/cwta-wireless-code-conduct.html?ref=rss

Happy Contract Negotiations

www.saveoncellphones.ca

National Do Not Call List (DNCL)

Do telemarketers calling you on your home line bother you?  Do you hate those calls telling you that you have Won a Cruise or to Take a Survey?  Well in the next few months those telemarketers are going to start to have access to cell phone numbers.  Thats right, not only will they be able to bother you at home, but they will be able to get you on your cell phone or PDA.

Fortunately the Canadian Radio, Television and Communication Commission has setup a system to give you the option to opt in or out of these services.  https://www.lnnte-dncl.gc.ca/index-eng

From their website:

“The National Do Not Call List (DNCL) gives consumers a choice about whether to receive telemarketing calls. The National DNCL Rules introduce new responsibilities for Canada’s telemarketers.

If you are a consumer you can choose to reduce the number of telemarketing calls you receive by registering your residential, wireless, fax or VoIP telephone number on the National DNCL. You can also check your registration, find out how to remove your number from the National DNCL, and file a complaint about telemarketing calls. Please consult our frequently asked questions section to find out more about the National DNCL.

The National Do Not Call List (DNCL) introduces new responsibilities for Canada’s telemarketers. If you are a telemarketer you can use this Web site to register your business information, obtain and buy a subscription to the National DNCL, and download or query the National DNCL. You can also find out about subscription rates, file formats and other information in the Telemarketer section of this Web site.”

If you want to De-Register your number, here is the direct link so that you won’t be receiving any annoying telemarketing calls:

https://www.lnnte-dncl.gc.ca/insnum-regnum-eng

However, for the select few of you that enjoy those phone calls, please do not hesitate to keep your number active and you can listen as to how you can win that trip of a lifetime or take the latest survey.

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FURTHER DETAILS AND FAQs ON THE NATIONAL DO NOT CALL LIST

Source: CRTC Website: http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/DNCL/brochure_consumer.htm

Have you heard about Canada’s National Do Not Call List?

You can sign up to reduce the number of telemarketing calls you receive—and maintain your personal privacy. It’s your choice.

What is the National Do Not Call List?

Every year, thousands of Canadians raise concerns about receiving unwanted telemarketing calls. In 2006, the federal government passed a law allowing for the creation of a National Do Not Call List (DNCL) that all telemarketers must respect. When you sign up to have your cellular, home phone or fax number included on it, companies making unsolicited marketing or sales calls can no longer contact you.

How do I sign up?

Registering for the National DNCL is simple. Call 1-866-580-DNCL 1-866-580-DNCL ( 866-580-3625 866-580-3625) or log on to www.dncl.gc.ca and follow the few easy steps required. That’s it: your number will be on the List.

How long do I have to wait before my registration takes effect?

After you sign up, your numbers will be added to the List within 24 hours. Telemarketers then have 31 days to update their own information and make sure they don’t call you in their next round of solicitation. Don’t expect all calls to stop immediately, though. You could still receive calls within those first 31 days.

Is my registration permanent?

No. Your number will be registered on the National DNCL for five years. As well, if your numbers change, you will have to register your new numbers.

How do telemarketers know I’m on the National DNCL?

Telemarketers are required by law to subscribe to the National DNCL. Such companies register and pay fees to download updates from a secure website. It is their responsibility to ensure numbers on the National DNCL are not called.

What do I do if I get calls after I am on the National DNCL?

You can file a complaint with the operator of the National DNCL online at www.dncl.gc.ca or by calling 1-866-580-DNCL 1-866-580-DNCL ( 866-580-3625 866-580-3625). One important detail: don’t hang up if you get an unwanted call! To make a complaint you need to provide the name of the organization that called you OR the number where that organization can be reached, the date of the call and your own number. By law, telemarketers must give you their name and number.

Why should you learn more about the National Do Not Call List?

Your privacy is yours to manage: being informed will help you take action to protect yourself.

What happens to telemarketers who call numbers on the National DNCL?

New legislation gives the Canadian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) the power to assign penalties of up to $1,500 per infraction for individuals and $15,000 for corporations that do not follow the National DNCL rules.

Does being on the List prevent all unsolicited calls?

Being on the National DNCL keeps you from receiving most telemarketing calls, but there are exceptions. Registered charities are still allowed to call for donations, and certain other organizations—such as companies conducting polls or surveys, political parties, and newspapers looking for subscriptions—can also continue to contact you. As well, if you’ve done business with a company in the last 18 months, that company is considered to have a relationship with you and is allowed to call. After 18 months the company must stop calling if you’re on the National DNCL, unless you give permission otherwise. To learn more about exemptions, call 1-866-580-DNCL 1-866-580-DNCL ( 866-580-3625 866-580-3625) or go to www.dncl.gc.ca.

Can I do anything to stop exempted calls?

Yes. If you do not want to be called by an organization—even if that organization is legally allowed to call you—you can ask to be put on its own do not call list. Every telemarketer based in Canada must maintain such a list and respect your wishes not to be called.

What happens if I receive a call after hours?

Even organizations making exempt calls must abide by the telemarketing rules. Exempt calls that are made outside the permitted calling hours should be reported to the National DNCL operator, and the organization that called you may be subject to pay a penalty.

Will I be protected from phone fraud if I sign up?

The National DNCL applies to all telemarketing organizations. It does not necessarily prevent fraudulent telemarketing calls. That’s why it’s important for you to always to be on your guard: if you receive a call and are worried it may be part of a fraud scheme, contact the police

Sign up

Go to www.dncl.gc.ca or call 1-866-580-DNCL 1-866-580-DNCL ( 866-580-3625 866-580-3625) to register your number on the National DNCL. You can manage your privacy. It’s your choice.

National Do Not Call List at a glance

Remember:

Signing up is simple and quick

It’s the telemarketer’s job by law to check and respect the National DNCL

Some kinds of calls are exempt—the National DNCL does not apply in every case

If you do receive a valid call, the telemarketer has to follow Canada’s Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules

You may ask to be put on a telemarketer’s own do not call list at any time

Complaints can be made quickly and easily by phone or online—and any telemarketer found to be in violation of the law can receive financial penalties

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The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) launched the National Do Not Call List (DNCL) on September 30, 2008. Bell Canada was contracted to act as the National DNCL operator, and will be responsible for registering numbers, providing telemarketers with up-to-date versions of the list, and handling consumer complaints about telemarketing calls.

Rogers Wireless Customers – How-To-Tips for your Phone

If you have a Rogers Wireless device and you are looking for tips on how to do things with your phone, well there is a great web resource to help you out.  Rogers has developed a How-To website to give you some training and answers to your common cellular questions.

The website includes videos, cost saving tips, frequent customer questions, and even basics on how to get started with your phone. They have training tips for Blackberry, Cell Phone, Smart Phone, iPhone, Rocket Stick and more.  The website can be viewed at:

http://your.rogers.com/Promo/wireless/getstarted/index.html

As an example here is a great video on how to transfer your contacts to a new phone.  Tips and tricks like this can save you a ton of time and money so you don’t have to fiddle around with your device trying to make it work.

https://your.rogers.com/Web_auth/simulators/videos/video.asp?mnf=1&catid=0&vidid=2

So take some time, review this easy to use website from Rogers and hopefully you will find some useful tips and tricks to help you with your device.

Let me know what you think about Rogers How To Centre.  Do you like it?

Change of Ownership / Transfer of Responsibility

Many people face the challenge of being locked into a multi year contract with their cell phone carrier and then needing to get rid of their plan and phone because they are moving or get a company phone or for some other reason.  However, much like leasing a car, it is hard to get out of your contract when you are in it.

The carriers actually have an option for you and that option is called Change of Ownership or Transfer of Responsibility.  Essentially what you can do is find someone to take over your contract (family member, friend, colleague) and you can transfer the responsibility of your contract to that other person.

The process is quite simple, all you need to do is complete a form from the carriers and they will transfer your contract from you to the new person.  You may also look to sell your phone to a stranger and use the change of ownership option to pass it over to them.  This can be a great way to get rid of your device without having to pay the hefty cancellation fee.  Keep it in mind if you are looking for an option.

Also, if you are working for a company and you have a company phone, but you want to take your phone and number with you.  Your company can complete a transfer of responsibility form or a change of ownership form with the carrier and then the contract can be switched into your name.  This is a great way to keep your number and your device if you are leaving your organization.

If you would like further information on this option please review these websites or contact customer service with your respective carrier.

Bell Mobility: http://www.bell.ca/support/PrsCSrvWls_AcctMgmt_ChangeOwnership.page

Rogers: http://www.rogers.com/web/Rogers.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=search&Ntt=change+of+ownership

Telus: Call Customer Service Directly

Good luck with your transfer and make sure you aren’t paying those cancellation fees.

www.saveoncellphones.ca

Not Enough Time to Answer the Phone?

Are you the type of person who has your phone buried in your purse or stuck in your tight jeans?  Do you find that by the time you find your phone that the call has already gone to voicemail?  Well Telus and Bell have come out with a great solution.  They actually allow you to control the number of times your phone rings before it goes to voicemail.  So if you want five rings before voicemail, you can now adjust that setting.

These extra rings give you the time to find your phone and have time to answer it before you miss your call.  To setup and change this feature on your phone please follow the instructions below.

Here is how to change the number of rings:

Telus and Bell:

• Dial *94x where x equals the number of rings. For example for 3 rings dial *943
• You have the option of up to 9 rings
• Once you dial *94x, listen for 2 beeps, then hang up

Please check with your specific Carrier if you have any problems.  Please be sure to pass this on to your friends and colleagues as I am sure they would enoy this trick as well.

Rogers: Unfotunately this service is Not Available with Rogers at this time.  We will have to wait and look for this in the future.

Note: This should work with Solo Mobile and Koodo Mobile as well.  You will have to try this on your own and get back to us.

Cheers.

www.saveoncellphones.ca