If you do not require your licence beyond its current term or wish to modify it in some way, ISED encourages you to review the options below to avoid unnecessary billing and corrections, and to ensure you remain compliant with the Radiocommunication Act.
Before you modify or cancel a spectrum licence
Before requesting a modification or cancellation of your spectrum licence, ensure that there are no outstanding fees, as the licence cannot be modified or cancelled with unpaid fees. Additionally, please note that ISED cannot refund licence fees, or a portion thereof, once a licence is issued.
While there are no fees to request a cancellation, additional fees may apply for a modification, for instance if the modification increases the population being covered or the amount of spectrum being used.
Steps to modify or cancel a spectrum licence
On May 14, 2025, ISED launched its non-competitive local licensing (NCLL) framework, which is designed to meet local needs such as for private networks and industry verticals. To support this framework, ISED implemented a user-centric portal which improves how applicants and licensees can manage their applications and licences. This section describes how to modify or cancel the following types of licences:
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non-competitive local licences
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all other terrestrial spectrum licences
Non-competitive local licences (NCLL)
While it is not possible to modify an existing NCL licence, licensees can cancel one or more of their NCL licences through the NCLL Portal.
- Login to the NCLL Portal.
- Under Licences, select Actives.
- Choose Cancel licence from the Actions drop down menu of the licence which you wish to cancel.
- Note: If the selected licence is currently included in an unpaid renewal invoice, you will see a notification to contact ISED to cancel the licence.
All other terrestrial spectrum licences
Contact spectrumlicensing-licencesdespectre@ised-isde.gc.ca to request a modification or cancellation.