eSIM news
Canada's CRTC keeps the TELUS eSIM fee case open
The Canadian regulator will continue its written review of TELUS's $15 SIM and eSIM fee under revised public-submission deadlines.
The procedural decision made on 14 August
Canada's communications regulator, the CRTC, will continue a written proceeding examining charges imposed by Bell, Rogers and TELUS that may act as barriers to changing mobile or internet plans. Interventions are now due on 31 August. The notice itself conflicts on replies: its header says 8 September, while paragraph 31 says 10 September, so participants should check the live case record.
The eSIM-specific part concerns TELUS's $15 charge for purchasing either a physical SIM or an eSIM as part of its wireless service. The 14 August notice settles procedural questions only; it does not find that TELUS has breached the law.
Why the eSIM charge is under review
When the CRTC opened the case in June, it said a SIM or eSIM is required to deliver the wireless service being purchased. On that view, a separate charge could amount to an activation fee covered by Canada's new restrictions.
TELUS disputes that interpretation. It told the regulator that customers may need a new SIM or eSIM for reasons other than starting a plan, including replacement or travel, and described the fee as a way to recover costs.
The practical position for TELUS customers
The proceeding remains active, so the CRTC could ultimately accept the charge or require a change. The current notice does not cancel the fee, order customer refunds or establish a new eSIM-issuance process.
This is a Canadian carrier-policy case about plan-switching protections. It does not change the terms of international travel eSIM products and provides no evidence about TELUS network performance.
What remains unresolved
The CRTC has not given a date for its final determination or specified any remedy for TELUS. It must still assess the written record before deciding whether the charge complies with the policy and the Telecommunications Act.