Something gotta give though. I remember when most carriers here in Canada started to offer 2-year plans instead of 3 (I believe it was another rule enforced by the CRTC?), the monthly rates spiked up.
This is true but that's because they were subsidizing the price of your phone. 900$ for the phone split over 3 years is 300 $ a year, split over 2 it becomes 450$ a year. The way they set up their taxes and financing fees, they want to make money off that lease too so , they make back their financing 75% of the way through , which is why upgrades were possible 6 months before contract end on a 3 year term and are now only possible with 3 months left.
I suspect being forced to sell unlocked new phones will mean a higher charge for the sim card if anything. "okay that iphone 8 will cost you 1100$ , split across a 2 year plan through us , it'll be financed for 1300$ plus our plan will run you 65$ a month + data and while the phone can be used with any carrier , should you bring one from someone else here that 12$ sim card will instead cost 45$ and we'll just lock out our cheapest plans to you"
I mean canadian telecom will find a way to screw over their customers no matter what happens but at least this will be one more thing they'll have to work at.