How to cancel a radio licence

Find information on how to cancel a radio licence using the Spectrum Management System (SMS).

Register to use the SMS

If you have not done so already, register to use the SMS.

Changing the licence term from renewable to temporary

If you will not require a licence beyond its current term, you could change the licence from renewable to temporary instead of cancelling it. This modification is especially important to avoid unnecessary billing and corrections during the annual renewal process. It also helps you to remain compliant with the Radiocommunication Act.

For more information, see: How to change a licence from renewable to temporary

Using an agent

If you retained the services of a supplier to submit this request on your behalf, their Web Profile has to be linked to your licensing account to allow them to do so. Please ensure the completed ISED-ISDE3052 — Retention of an Agent form is submitted to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) to complete the application request.

Learn more at: Agents for radio authorizations

Cancelling stations or frequencies on an existing licence

To cancel stations or frequencies on an existing licence, you will have to modify the licence. See How to change or modify a radio licence.

Note:

• Mobile stations: To increase or reduce the number of mobile stations on a licence, indicate the new total number of mobile stations in the “Number of mobiles” field.
• Frequencies: To add or remove frequencies on a licence where multiple stations exist, you must select the first station appearing in the list of stations, then add or remove frequencies from the list of channels within this station.

Steps to cancel a radio licence

Here are the steps to cancel a radio licence.

1. Go to the Manage a radio licence page.

2. If applicable, use the Select Active Licensee option before cancelling a licence. Sign in to your Web Profile when prompted if you are not already signed in.

3. Under Choose a radio licence type, click the tab (Fixed Service, Land Mobile Service, etc.) that represents the type of licence, then click the Cancel button that corresponds to the subtype of the licence.

   Note: If you do not know which radio licence type you need, follow these steps:

   1. Go to Secure licence search

   2. If you have multiple accounts linked to a Web Profile, select an active account

   3. Sign in to your Web Profile when prompted

   4. Search for your licence

   5. Once you have located your licence, click on the Authorization number

   6. The type of licence will be displayed in large characters, just under your Web Profile information

   If you are not sure what stations are authorized by which licence, you can consult the licence details in that same window. Look for the station information (location, frequencies, etc.).

4. Enter the Authorization Number of the licence you want to cancel.

5. Submit the request when you are finished entering information.

6. The licence is cancelled.