View source for I Want to Get out of My Cellphone Contract

{{Template:Legal Help Guide TOC}}You might be unhappy with your cellphone <span class="noglossary">service</span>, unable to afford it, or planning to relocate. Whatever the reason, sometimes you may want to cancel your cellphone contract before the contract period is up. 

Within 15 days of signing a phone contract, you have a legal right to cancel the contract, without penalty, if you are not happy with your <span class="noglossary">service</span>. This is called the ''<span class="noglossary">trial</span> period''. After the <span class="noglossary">trial</span> period, you can cancel your phone contract at any time but you will have to pay an ''early cancellation fee''. The early cancellation fee can be no more than $50. The exception is if you got a free or discounted phone as part of signing your phone contract. In that <span class="noglossary">case</span>, you’ll have to pay for the phone if you cancel early.

As well, there are some circumstances that enable you to get out of your phone contract without paying an early cancellation fee. For example, if your provider changes a key term or condition of your phone contract without your consent. 

== First steps ==

#Calculate your cancellation <span class="noglossary">costs</span>. Your cancellation <span class="noglossary">costs</span> will depend on when you signed your contract and whether you received a free or discounted phone. The [http://crtc.gc.ca/eng/phone/mobile/codesimpl.htm Wireless Code] sets out a formula to calculate the cancellation <span class="noglossary">costs</span>.
#Cancel the contract. To cancel your contract, typically you would phone, email or send regular mail to notify your <span class="noglossary">service</span> provider of the cancellation. Check your contract to see if there is a specific way they want you to cancel.

== What happens next ==

Your <span class="noglossary">service</span> provider must cancel your <span class="noglossary">services</span> right away (unless you specify a later cancellation date) – you don’t need to provide 30 days notice. If your phone is locked to your provider’s network, you will have to get your phone unlocked in <span class="noglossary">order</span> to use your phone with another provider. You have a legal right to have your phone unlocked, at no charge, upon request. 

== Where to get help ==

See the [[Resource List for Legal Help for British Columbians|Resource List]] for a list of helpful resources. As well:
* The Commission for Complaints for Telecom-television <span class="no glossary">Services</span> (CCTS) administers the [http://crtc.gc.ca/eng/phone/mobile/codesimpl.htm Wireless Code] and deals with consumer complaints about cellphone <span class="noglossary">service</span>. They can be reached toll-free at 1-888-221-1687 or at [http://www.ccts-cprst.ca www.ccts-cprst.ca].
* The People's Law School website, in the “Consumer” section, includes indepth information on [https://www.peopleslawschool.ca/everyday-legal-problems/consumer/cellphones/your-options-cellphone-service making] and [http://www.peopleslawschool.ca/everyday-legal-problems/consumer/cellphones/cancelling-phone-contract cancelling cellphone contracts]. 

Before meeting with a lawyer or advocate, complete the form [[Preparing for Your Interview]] included in this Guide. Make sure you bring copies of all documents relating to your case.

{{REVIEWED | reviewer = [[Drew Jackson]], December 2017}}

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