Canadians now have more clearly established consumer protection for home telephone service, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission announced Tuesday.

The commission, which regulates telephone service providers across the country, said a "bill of rights" was created to ensure Canadians have a comprehensive understanding of terms of service. There have been no changes to existing protection, but the rights of consumers have been explained in simple language.

Barbara Cram, CRTC commissioner for Manitoba and Saskatchewan, said that earlier documents were complicated and confusing.

"We did have the terms of service that was in the '80s, and that was a wonderful legal text that most people would have to take to their lawyer to find out what their rights are," Cram told CBC.

"We aren't giving them more protection, we're just simply writing down what their rights are in simple language so people can, instead of maybe coming to us, go to their telephone companies."

A new document outlines all aspects of phone service, from installation of a phone to telemarketing rules.

For example, deposits are only warranted in certain cases where credit history has not been established. Consumers may also register complaints with the CRTC and phone companies about unsolicited calls.

The document also explains that companies can cut off phone service in certain circumstances, such as when users default on payments or allow the phone to be used for illegal purposes or to make offensive calls.

"These will be in all phonebooks, and people will be able to see what they are entitled to and assert their own rights," Cram said.

Not covered are consumer rights related to cellphone or internet use. The commission hopes that the telecom industry will eventually establish a self-regulatory body to address consumer rights, Cram said.