Bell Mobility faces fines of up to $3.2M

Quebec’s consumer protection watchdog announced Friday it is suing Bell Mobility for alleged insertion of illegal cancellation fees into contracts with its costumers.

The Office de la protection du consomateur could seek up to $3.2 million in fines from the mobile service provider. News of the lawsuit comes after a months-long investigation by the office into Bell’s business practices — which includes contracts issued by its Virgin Mobile distribution partner.

The company is accused of inserting various illegal clauses in its contracts that added illegal service fees for opting out of a service plan as well as other alleged irregularities.

Since 2010 the provincial watchdog has increased its regulation of the telecommunications industry with tougher laws and harsher penalties for companies found guilty of deceiving their clients.