The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is warning Bell that a new $40 “handling” fee tied to phone purchases may not be permitted under recent and upcoming rules. According to reporting, the CRTC is concerned the fee could discourage customers from switching between telecommunications providers, which is a key issue the regulator is addressing. The warning comes ahead of planned changes that take effect in June, when the CRTC bans carriers from charging fees that would function as barriers to customer mobility. The CRTC’s action signals that telecoms must align their pricing structures, including purchase-related add-on charges, with the regulator’s direction on promoting competition and switching. Both outlets describe the fee as a “handling” charge associated with phone purchases and frame the matter as an early regulatory review that could limit whether Bell can continue charging it. The CRTC’s warning indicates that the fee’s legality will be assessed in light of the incoming restrictions.