New internet or phone plan? 3 smart checks 

(NC) New phone, internet or TV plan on your wish list this holiday? Before you unwrap, take three quick steps to make sure you’re set up safely to avoid surprises, protect your data, and know your rights if something goes wrong:

Use your trial period if you need it. Always test any phone, TV or internet service purchased to make sure they meet your needs during any available trial period. For example, if you bought a new wireless service, you have 15 days to cancel your contract and return your device without penalty if you’re unhappy with what you received. Check with your provider for the terms of your trial period–it may have usage restrictions.

Change your default settings for safety. If you bought home internet service that has Wi-Fi, your router will come with preset settings for the network name and password. Leaving those settings as is makes it possible for bad actors to gain access to your home network.

Change the network name to something unique, but that doesn’t give out any of your information—don’t include any parts of your address. Change the network password to something memorable but hard to guess. If you’re unsure how to change your settings, you can search online or contact your service provider.

Always review what you bought. Look over the contracts and bills for all of your services to make sure they match what your provider promised. Most contracts include a short plain-language summary of the key contract terms and main points. If you find an issue, you should contact your provider to try and fix the problem.

If the provider doesn’t resolve the issue to your satisfaction, you can take the complaint to the Commission for Complaints for Telecom-Television Services (CCTS). They’re the independent agency that can help find a solution that works for both customer and provider, with the authority to direct providers to correct problems when needed.

Thousands of Canadians each year resolve their complaints with wireless, TV and internet services issues through the agency. Most of those are resolved at the early stages of the complaint handling process.

By knowing your rights and taking some simple safety steps, you can enjoy your new services with confidence and peace of mind. Learn more about resolving your telecom issues at letsstayconnected.ca.