Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) recognizes that wireless services are an important part of Canadian’s lives. As part of its mandate to manage Canada’s spectrum resources, the department issues spectrum licences based on established licensing frameworks and conditions of licences.
From this page, registered and prospective licensees can access features and services to manage all aspects of their Spectrum Licences.
On this page:
- Pay Online
- Browsing Available Spectrum Licences
- Browsing Existing Spectrum Licences
- Upload Spectrum Licence Site Data
- View Additional Information
Pay Online
Spectrum licence fees are based on established fee orders. If your spectrum licence has an established fee, you must pay licence fees to keep the licence current and active. Visit Pay Online for more information.
Browsing Available Spectrum Licences
New Spectrum Licences are available to be claimed in select bands. To view available spectrum, follow the steps below.
Searching for an available spectrum licence
- Go to Spectrum Licences available for application.
- Select a Licence Category from the dropdown menu
- Select Search
- To see the Licence Data, select the Authorization Number of the desired licence from your search results.
Applying for an Available Spectrum Licence
- Visit the New User Registration to create a Web Profile. For instructions on how to register, see Creating a Web Profile.
- Log in to your Web Profile.
- If you are presented with the Please select an account page, select an account from the dropdown menu.
- Use the Spectrum Licences search tool to find Spectrum Licences available for application.
- Select a Licence Category and determine if there are licences available.
- Select Apply on one of the available Spectrum Licences to apply for it’s use and enter the required information.
Browsing Existing Spectrum Licences
To browse existing Spectrum Licences:
- Go to Spectrum Licence Browser.
- Insert search parameters.
- Select Search.
- To see the Licence Data, click the Authorization Number of the desired licence from your search results.
Upload Spectrum Licence Site Data
Change in Spectrum Licence Site Data Upload Format
In early 2024, licensees will be obliged to submit data in the new format. Until that time, ISED’s system will accept data files in both the old and new formats. Licensees will be notified when the old format will no longer be accepted.
Following the Decision on Amendments to Requirements for Spectrum Licensees to Submit Technical Information about Sites, licensees must upload site data every month. The data must accurately represent operational stations and provide information in each of the 54 fields of data.
Accurate and timely site data allows the department to effectively manage spectrum resources and supports well-informed and strategic deployment decisions to the benefit of all stakeholders.
Visit SMS Data page to complete your upload. For assistance, visit:
Developmental Spectrum Licensing
Developmental licences are offered to innovators who are testing the next wave of wireless technology and services.
Developmental spectrum licences includes testing for systems that use small cell, high-density devices (e.g. sensors), use high band spectrum, low power over a wide area or capacity trials using multiple apparatus.
No fees currently apply to developmental spectrum licences.
Use these links to learn more:
For developmental licences in other services, please select the appropriate developmental service option in the applicable application form:
If you require further information, please contact your nearest ISED District Office.