Telus appeals to Federal Court over CRTC SIM fee dispute

Telus has filed an appeal with Canada’s Federal Court of Appeal regarding a dispute with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) over its $15 SIM and eSIM fees. The legal action follows an August 14 ruling by the CRTC that denied several of the telecom company's requests concerning the investigation into whether these charges violate new consumer protection rules.

The dispute stems from regulations implemented in June that prohibit carriers from charging certain activation or modification fees. Telus is challenging the CRTC's handling of the case, specifically alleging bias from certain commission officials. The company has sought to have specific staff removed from the proceeding, arguing that prior comments made by a CRTC vice-president suggested a predetermined conclusion regarding the legality of the fees.

In addition to the bias allegations, Telus has requested to split the CRTC procedure into two stages: one to determine if rules were violated and another to decide on penalties. The CRTC has previously rejected these procedural requests. If found in violation of the rules, companies could face penalties of up to $10 million, with individual officers potentially facing fines of up to $25,000.