CRTC considers Telus request to lock phones for 60 days to prevent theft
The telecom giant wants to temporarily lock devices after activation, citing rising fraud and theft—but the practice was banned in 2017.
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Telus is asking the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission to allow it to lock smartphones for 60 days after activation, citing rising fraud and theft—a practice the CRTC banned in 2017.
The Vancouver-based carrier filed an application in May seeking a temporary allowance to lock subsidized or financed devices, with the lock automatically releasing after 60 days if accounts remain in good standing. Telus plans to start locking devices on July 30, 2026, while the regulatory review continues.
The CRTC banned device locking in 2017 and eliminated unlocking fees, moves that made it easier for customers to switch wireless providers. Telus argues unlocking rules have transformed smartphones into "a highly liquid currency that drive violent robberies" and that device-related fraud is on the rise.
The CRTC responded to Telus on July 8 saying current Wireless Code rules remain in effect unless it makes an express decision otherwise, but noted it would consider the temporary authorization request. The commission is also reviewing consumer protection codes and directed interested parties to bring device-locking requests to that broader proceeding.
