Coming soon – A government agency so secret, even members of parliament don’t know about it. An agency formed to protect Canadian citizens from outrages billing practices, horrific service contracts, oligopolistic structure, and general unfair-play. These are the men and women that will sacrifice part of the 8 hours a day that they work in their quest to ensure that you have someone to talk to about the way you have been bilked treated by one of the major Canadian Telecom firms. Prepare to meet the men in red…
The Commission for Complaints for Telecommunications Services (AKA Crappy Service Watchdog) was established in 2007 to provide an avenue for Canadian citizens to call in to complain about the frustrations and lack of service they are receiving from their telecommunications provider. The CCTS has decided to give up its “Secret” status, and will be launching a campaign to promote itself during the latter part of this year.
This team is dedicated to finding you a solution to your telecom challenges.
Just as long as they don’t have to do anything….
6000 complaints in the first year – investigated 2200 of them = 36.6% investigated.
17000 complaints in the second year – investigated 3000 of them -= 17.6% investigated.
Seven directors for a team of 15 employees – they are going to work themselves out of a job soon if they aren’t careful.
So – what amazing tools and methods will the CCTS be able to employ in their quest to make Canada a better telecom nation? Well, in a word, not much. Since the CCTS is funded by the major players – anyone with more than $10 million in annual revenues – the question arises about whom they are actually going to be loyal to; the consumer or the industry.
Having the CCTS police the telecommunications industry while being funded by the telecom industry is like asking your three year old to make sure that nobody eats the last piece of candy in the candy bowl - you can bet they are going to watch it, but it sure as hell isn’t going to be for your protection!
So, the next time that you are on hold for 45 minutes for the crappy Bell, Telus, or Rogers service, waiting to talk to someone about the negative billing option on your last statement; being assured the whole time that “your call is important to us – an agent will be with you shortly” while an endless loop of elevator Led Zeppelin plays in the background, just remember that there is an agency that is looking out for you, to ensure that you are properly taken care of. They will listen to your complaint, commiserate with you, and validate you for the situation that you are in.
Too bad they won’t be able to actually DO something about it!
