Canada eases telephone rate rules

[CHIMO]

OTTAWA – Canadian telephone companies will soon be allowed to change their phone rates without the need for prior regulatory approval, the country's telecom watchdog said on Thursday.

Providers such as BCE Inc, Telus and Rogers Communications Inc will be able make immediate changes to their tariffs as of Oct. 6, as long as the changes stay within previously imposed limits, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission said in a statement.

The CRTC said the policy change would cut down on paperwork and make pricing procedures more efficient.

"This change enables the traditional telephone companies, as well as the CRTC, to streamline their operations without any impact on consumers," the regulator said.

http://www.thestar.com/Business/article/483024

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