All radio authorizations include conditions to ensure the proper management of spectrum. Learn more to understand the compliance requirements for holders of licences and certificates.
On this page:
Overview of spectrum management and compliance
Spectrum is finite, meaning we cannot create more spectrum, but we can make better use of what is available.
Under the Radiocommunication Act, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) is responsible for:
- developing policies for how spectrum may be used, and
- ensuring the effective management of the radio spectrum for the benefit of all Canadians
Objectives
When providing access to spectrum and regulating its use, ISED strives to maximize the economic and social benefits that Canadians derive from this resource by:
- increasing the quality and availability of radiocommunication and wireless services to consumers
- fostering the efficiency and competitiveness of the Canadian telecommunications industry
Accomplishing compliance
To hold and renew their authorization, licence and certificate, holders must comply with a set of ongoing requirements (referred to as “conditions of licence”). Some examples of these conditions include:
- deployment requirements
- payment of fees
- reporting requirements
- adherence to technical standards
These conditions help ensure the efficient use of the spectrum and minimize interference between neighbouring licensees. Spectrum management is also crucial for a number of other reasons, such as public safety and national security. For instance, it enables secure communication for the military, law enforcement, and emergency responders (fire, police, ambulances) to communicate securely on dedicated frequency bands.
Individual authorizations are often issued with conditions specific to the licence, approvals or certificate.
Sometimes, conditions are developed to be applied to a specific type of authorization. The text of these conditions, often developed after public consultations, can be found in appendices to the authorizations.
Consult our repository of these conditions at: Conditions of licence / Appendices
Radiofrequency energy and safety
Health Canada has established safety guidelines for exposure to radio frequency fields in its Safety Code 6. ISED has adopted these limits as a condition of licence. It is the responsibility of proponents and operators of installations to ensure that all radiocommunication and broadcasting installations comply with Safety Code 6 at all times, including the consideration of combined effects of nearby installations within the local radio environment.
For more information, see: Radiofrequency Energy and Safety
Non-compliance
In cases where ISED’s spectrum requirements, conditions of licence, etc., are not being met, the Department may impose an administrative monetary penalty (AMP) on the offending licence holder. AMPs are financial penalties that encourage compliance with regulatory requirements. AMPs allow for a measured, proportionate response to a wide range of violations under the Radiocommunication Act.
The imposition of AMPs is one of several different actions that may be taken by ISED to enforce requirements, particularly in cases of more serious violations. Other actions include:
- issuing tickets under the Contraventions Act, which include small fines
- issuing orders to take specific measures to come into compliance
- seizing devices that do not meet technical standards or are prohibited (such as jammers)
- prosecuting regulatory offences
For more information, see: Compliance and enforcement