Learn more about FM radio broadcasting certificates.
On this page:
Overview of FM broadcasting
FM broadcasting occupies the band between 88.1 MHz and 107.9 MHz. The procedure to apply for an FM broadcasting certificate from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) can be found in the following documents:
The two main categories of FM stations are:
- Low power (unprotected secondary assignment)
- effective radiated power (ERP) of 50 watts or less
- engineering brief is not required if minimum separation distances are met
- transmitter being used must be type-approved under BETS-6 – Technical Standards and Requirements for FM Broadcasting Transmitters
- special case: very low power
- ERP of 10 watts or less
- must be located in communities that are both outside the major urban/suburban areas and that lack access to a complete range of Canadian broadcasting services; otherwise, it is considered standard low power
- the recommended minimum technical standards for the transmitter are outlined in BETS-8 – Technical Standards and Requirements for FM Transmitters Operating in Small Remote Communities
- Regular power (protected primary assignment)
- ERP above 50 watts (regular power)
- classes are divided into several groups (A1, A, B1, B, C1 and C) with each of them describing a range of permissible parameters and maximum protection
- engineering brief is always required when proposing new undertakings or making changes to main transmitter
Subsidiary communication multiplex operations (SCMO)
If you plan to initiate subsidiary communication multiplex operations (SCMO) for your FM broadcasting undertaking, including Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS) operations, you will need to submit an amendment to your broadcasting certificate.
For more information, consult: BPR-3
In-band on-channel (IBOC)
In-band on-channel (IBOC) is an extension of FM commonly used by HD Radio™ Technology for simulcasting the analog programming in digital with the capability of having additional digital audio channels.
For details, see: BPR-3
HD Radio is a registered trademark or trademark of iBiquity Digital Corporation, a subsidiary of Xperi Inc., in the United States and/or other countries.
Program information codes
See Program information codes for radio broadcasting stations for information on using program information codes as part of transmissions of RDS/RBDS (Radio (Broadcast) Data System) services.
What is an engineering brief and do you require one?
The engineering brief is an important technical document prepared by a registered professional engineer to support a broadcast application. An engineering brief is normally required for regular-power FM undertakings. This requirement can sometimes be waived, however, for some low-power FM undertakings (those with an ERP of 50 watts or less) if certain requirements are met.
For more information, see: BPR-3
For minor technical corrections, you can contact your local Spectrum Management District Office to see if the requirements of an engineering brief can be waived.
No engineering brief is required for administrative changes.
Ready to get started?
Apply for a new broadcasting certificate
Apply - FM low power Apply - FM regular powerFor more information see:
How to apply for a broadcasting certificate
Manage an existing broadcasting certificate
Broadcasting servicesNot sure how to proceed?
The questionnaire below will help you determine how to proceed with your FM broadcasting application if you wish to submit on your own. Alternatively, you may also ask a broadcasting consultant to submit the application on your behalf using their agent account.