# Carriers want phone locking back, a Quebec rocket company plans to hire, and Air Canada adds a fee

> Rogers, Bell and Telus's CRTC wish list, Reaction Dynamics' $350-million plan, Amazon's holiday hiring and a $30 Air Canada phone booking fee.

- Published: 2026-10-21T11:00:00.000Z
- By: The Circuit Staff
- Type: Daily Briefing
- Topics: Daily Briefing, Telecom, Startups
- URL: https://thecircuit.ca/posts/2026-10-21-briefing/

Here's what happened in tech yesterday.

## 1. Rogers, Bell and Telus want phone locking back

In filings to the CRTC's review of consumer protection codes, the big three asked for a 60-day phone lock, longer device financing and an end to the $100 roaming cap. Telus also wants to claw back sign-up perks when customers cancel early. [Read the full story](https://thecircuit.ca/posts/2026-10-20-carriers-want-crtc-protections-scrapped/)

**Why it matters:** Several of these would make it harder and more expensive to switch carriers or travel.

## 2. Reaction Dynamics plans a $350-million expansion

Longueuil, Quebec-based Reaction Dynamics plans to raise about $350 million over five years and grow from 68 to 350 employees, [BetaKit reports](https://betakit.com/reaction-dynamics-plans-rapid-expansion-to-launch-new-medium-lift-rocket-by-2031/). It wants to reach orbit from Nova Scotia with its small Aurora rocket in 2028, and launch a medium-lift rocket, Borealis, by 2031.

**Why it matters:** If it works, Canadian satellites could reach orbit from a Canadian launch site, with the jobs staying in Quebec and Nova Scotia.

## 3. Amazon is hiring 9,000 seasonal workers in Canada

Amazon Canada is hiring 9,000 people for the holidays across 55 sites, at an average starting wage of nearly $24 an hour, [MobileSyrup reports](https://mobilesyrup.com/2026/10/20/amazon-canada-to-hire-9000-seasonal-workers-for-the-holidays/).

**Why it matters:** It's a big seasonal job market, and a sign Amazon expects a busy holiday season.

## 4. Air Canada now charges $30 to book by phone

Air Canada is charging $30 per passenger, plus tax, for new bookings made by phone, including Aeroplan reward bookings, as of October 15, [MobileSyrup reports](https://mobilesyrup.com/2026/10/20/air-canada-phone-bookings-fee/). Calls about existing trips are still free. WestJet and Flair already charge $25.

**Why it matters:** It's one more push toward apps, and a cost for travellers who can't or won't book online.