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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsBell reported more than $64 million in gross revenue from calls made by inmates in Ontario jails while it operated the province’s Offender Telephone Management System from 2013 to 2021, according to CityNews. That figure is revenue, not profit. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) later ruled that it could not retroactively adjust Bell’s historical rates to provide financial relief to people who brought a proposed class action.
What the $64 million figure measures
CityNews reported on 9 August 2024 that Bell disclosed more than $64 million in gross revenue from inmate calls during its Ontario contract, and that nearly $39 million was paid to Ontario as commission. The report attributes both totals to Bell’s disclosure; neither amount is a profit figure. The CRTC’s 19 July 2024 staff letter confirms that Bell placed annual revenues for the Offender Telephone Management System (OTMS), and the commission percentage paid to Ontario, on the public record, but the letter does not print the dollar totals. CityNews report; CRTC staff letter.
Under the exclusive provincial contract, Bell operated the OTMS from 2013 to 2021. Inmates used facility payphones to place outgoing local or long-distance collect calls, with recipients billed for the calls. The $64-million figure concerns gross revenue from those calls over that contract period; it does not establish Bell’s net earnings after costs or other expenses. CRTC Telecom Decision 2024-324.
What the CRTC decided about Bell’s historical rates
Ransome Capay and Vanessa Fareau, represented by Goldblatt Partners LLP, began a proposed class action against Bell and Ontario in October 2021 over long-distance rates charged during the contract. The proceeding was put on hold while the CRTC addressed regulatory questions.
#1 Best Overall
- The volume of ringtone can not be adjusted, It is aloud to assure the call can not be missed. If you want the ringtone is slight,please give up buying
- Wall Mounting Hole Spacing: 3.15 in (80 mm) Designed for screw mounting and may not fit all existing telephone wall plates. Please check the mounting hole spacing before purchase.
- Versatile Installation: Flexible mounting options allowing both desk placement and wall mounting for your convenience
- Easy Setup: Simple installation process by connecting line cord to phone jack and network, with handset connection via coiled cord
- Basic Operation: Pick up handset to answer incoming calls and return to base when conversation is complete
In Telecom Decision 2024-324, issued 11 December 2024, the CRTC said long-distance rates were forborne from rate regulation under Telecom Decision 97-19 and had not required Commission approval during the period at issue. It also concluded it lacked legal authority to adjust the historical rates retroactively or retrospectively to provide financial relief to the class applicants. This was a ruling on the CRTC’s regulatory authority, not a final civil judgment on the proposed class action. Read the CRTC decision.
What happened on review in 2025
Bell and Ontario asked the CRTC to review and vary the 2024 decision. On 26 September 2025, the Commission denied their applications, finding they had “not established substantial doubt as to the correctness” of that decision. The CRTC said its clarification addressed issues relevant to the court proceeding; the review decision does not establish that the class action has reached a final judgment. CRTC Telecom Decision 2025-251.
Rank #2
- New - Individually Boxed
- Includes 12 foot Handset Curly Cord
- Cord length is 12 feet fully stretched and 22 inches coiled
- NOT compatible with models VVX 250 / 350 / 450
- NOT compatible with Polycom Soundpoint IP Phones 300 301 331 430 500 501 600 601
Who provides Ontario jail phone service now?
Synergy Inmate Phone Solutions replaced Bell as the service provider in Ontario. The CRTC said public-record evidence showed that Ontario long-distance inmate-call rates decreased significantly after the change. Telecom Decision 2024-324 does not provide a current rate schedule, so it cannot be used to state what a particular call costs today. CRTC Telecom Decision 2024-324.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the CRTC’s national information request means
On 29 September 2025, the CRTC requested information from correctional telecommunications providers and jurisdictions across Canada. Its questions covered contracts, revenue, rates, service and payment options, equipment, and complaints. The request was intended to inform the Commission’s assessment of possible further action; it was an information-gathering step, not a national rate rule or a completed intervention. CRTC request for information.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- New - Individually Boxed
- NOT compatible with models VVX 250 / 350 / 450
- NOT compatible with Polycom Soundpoint IP Phones 300 301 331 430 500 501 600 601
- Compatible only with the models of business phones listed in the title and description. This is NOT a universal handset.
Rank #4
- Full Duplex Handset Speakerphone- Enjoy a speakerphone that can keep up with your calls; Increase participation by allowing both ends to speak—and be heard—at the same time for conversations that are more true to life
- Caller ID/Call Waiting- Know who’s calling with Caller ID/Call Waiting; Handset displays the name, number, time and date of incoming calls
- Backlit Keypad and Display- The entire keypad illuminates along with the LCD screen, allowing for easier viewing in dim light
- Confirm proper installation of the telephone base and charger power adapters; Any key answer
Rank #3
- Brand New - Individually Boxed
- Charcoal / Flat Black Color
- Also fits Nortel / Aastra / Mitel M8004 phones
- Compatible only with the specific models of business phones listed in the description. This is NOT a universal handset.
- NOT compatible with Nortel Avaya 1100 / 1200 Series or Nortel Norstar M7000 Series phones
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