Cellular phone servicesUnderstanding what is offered

• Scope and limits of service
• Applicable fees
• Bundled services
• Contract terms and conditions
• Telephone

The Office de la protection du consommateur advises you to ask the service provider about all the subscription features before signing a contract.

Scope and limits of service

For example, ask questions about:

• what is included in the plan, in particular the number of:
  • minutes,
  • megabytes (for data transfer),
  • text messages that you can send and receive;

• the existence of a tool to verify your consumption in order to avoid using more minutes or data than what is included in your plan;
• the coverage zone, which refers to the ability to use the service in regions other than the local zone, and roaming fees.

Applicable fees

Inquire about:

• rates for items that are not included in the plan, such as:
  • additional minutes,
  • long distance calls,
  • additional megabytes (for Internet use),
  • sending and receiving text messages,
  • sending photos;

• how seconds and minutes are charged. For example, a call that lasts a few seconds may be billed as a one minute call, or by the second;
• additional fees for unlimited use during certain times of day, such as evenings;
• the cost of optional services, such as fees for voicemail or call display;
• payment conditions, in particular whether payment is required a month in advance or at the time of subscription;
• initial fees, emergency service fees, network access fees, activation fees.

All fees that you must pay, other than taxes, must be included in the price advertised by the service provider. See What is included in the advertised price for more information.

Bundled services

Find out about discounts available if you combine services from the same service provider, for example television, Internet and telephone.

Contract terms and conditions

Ask the service provider about subjects such as:

• the duration of the proposed contract;
• the possibility, for you and for the service provider, to amend the terms of the contract, and under what circumstances;
• the contract cancellation terms;
• the contract renewal terms.

Telephone

Consider inquiring about:

• the cellular phone warranty;
• the cellular phone delivery time;
• the person to contact should a problem arise.