All 10 Canadian provinces and many U.S. states today have distracted driving laws that ban the use of handheld mobile communication devices while driving. Despite stiff fines and inherent risks, many flaunt these laws to catch up on everything from social media updates to emails. Wearable devices such as smartwatches may help curb that habit but they pose their own […]
Law
Apple Canada ordered to turn over documents in anti-competition investigation
We first learned about Canada’s Competition Bureau investigation into alleged anti-competition practices by Apple Canada last week. It focuses on allegations that Apple’s contracts with Canada’s wireless carriers include anti-competitive clauses. The Globe and Mail today reports that the Federal Court of Canada will order Apple Canada to turn over relevant documentation to the competition watchdog. The order should be signed […]
Apple iPhone cause of higher device and service fees in Canada?
We learned earlier this week that Canada’s Competition Bureau was looking into allegations that contracts between Apple and wireless carriers may have included anti-competitive clauses. Jump forward a few days and new information has revealed that an investigation has in fact been underway for almost nine months. The competition watchdog now believes that these contracts have resulted in higher retail prices […]
Apple Canada contracts with wireless providers under investigation
Canada’s Competition Bureau has begun an investigation into Apple Canada’s contracts with Canadian wireless carriers. There is no evidence of any wrongdoing at this point but the bureau is looking into allegations that the contracts include anti-competitive clauses. Should such evidence be discovered, an application will be filed with the Competition Tribunal or another court to determine what consequences Apple […]
CRTC seeks input from Canadians on draft wireless code
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today invited Canadians to share their input on the draft code for wireless services. The intent of the code is to provide new rules by which mobile carriers can sell their wireless services. “I would like to thank Canadians for having shared their candid views on wireless services,” said Jean-Pierre Blais, Chairman of […]
CRTC launches online forum to discuss wireless code
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) yesterday launched an online forum to make it easier for Canadians to provide their input on the Wireless Code it is developing. This code is expected to cover the wording of contracts, disclosure of pices and fees, the rights of consumers, and other topics pertaining to wireless contracts. The CRTC recently examined the […]
CRTC asking for consumer input on new code for retail wireless services
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today invited Canadians to participate in putting together a new rules by which mobile carriers sell their wireless services. “Our goal is to make sure that Canadians have the tools they need to make informed choices in a competitive marketplace,” said Jean-Pierre Blais, Chairman of the CRTC. “In the past, Canadians have told […]
RIM wins legal battle over BBM trademark
Late last year, Research In Motion was hit with a lawsuit alleging trademark infringement over the use of the name “BBM” by Canadian company BBM Canada. Today, RIM got some good news as a Canadian Federal Court ruled in its favour in the case. While BBM does own the trademark, the court found that the two companies operate in different […]