Fixed service

Learn about radiocommunications between two or more fixed stations.

On this page:

fixed service

Overview of the fixed service

The fixed service is defined as a radiocommunication service between specified fixed points.

The fixed service generally refers to terrestrial microwave radio systems operating above 960 MHz in a point-to-point or point-to-multipoint configuration used to haul high volumes of data, but it also concerns low capacity links below 960 MHz.

The ends are normally fixed locations but can also be nomadic (transportable). Some usages for microwave include:

  • STL (studio-transmitter link)
  • backhaul (internal backbone) for public telecommunications network for telephone and/or data services, video or audio feeds
  • news gathering video
  • SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition)
  • interconnects for internal data network for corporate, health or educational purposes

Important to know

  • All technical requirements as per applicable Standard Radio System Plans (SRSP) can be found in the respective SRSP document(s)via the Spectrum Allocation Tool.
  • Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) also provides developmental licences that allow individuals and organizations to experiment with and develop new radio technologies.
    For more information, see: Developmental service
  • Our Spectrum Management System makes a distinction between application forms based on the operating frequency and not services as they are defined in the Radiocommunication Regulations.

Ready to get started?

Use the following options to apply for or manage a radio licence in the Spectrum Management System (SMS).

Apply

Apply for a fixed radio licence.

Manage

Modify or cancel a fixed radio licence.

Not sure how to proceed?

Our interactive questionnaire will help you determine how to proceed with your application for a radio licence.

 

Note: If your system corresponds to one of the following uses, select “My frequencies are ABOVE 960 MHz,” as these are special cases:

My frequencies are ABOVE 960 MHz - Start questionnaire
 

1. Will your system have any mobile stations?

Mobile stations are stations that move and are meant to be operated while moving or stopped. For instance, radios installed in vehicles (such as police cars or ambulances) or hand-held/portable radios (like walkie-talkies).

Transportable stations are fixed stations that can be moved to different locations within a specified area of operation. They are not meant to be operated while moving, as opposed to mobile stations, and may have a deployable mast to support the antenna.

The fixed service may not be what you are looking for

Please take a look at these other service pages:

If you are still unsure, consult ISED for help by contacting your local Spectrum Management District Office.

Consult documentation or ISED

If you are unsure of the parameters of your planned radio system, we recommend that you continue to consult our documentation.

You may also consult ISED for help by contacting your local Spectrum Management District Office.

Alternatively, you may consult an agent, a consultant, a radio service provider or any other knowledgeable specialist.

You require a licence for a point-to-multipoint system

For systems using frequencies above 960 MHz, the application must be submitted by an engineer. See RSP-113 — Application Procedures for Planned Radio Stations Above 960 MHz in the Fixed Service for details.

Click the button below to apply for a licence.

Note that you must have previously registered before using the Spectrum Management System (SMS). If you have not done so already, Register to use the SMS to get your Web Profile.

To learn more about radio licences, consult our Radio licensing page.

See How to apply for a radio licence for information on how to apply for a licence.

Apply for: Point-to-multipoint

Be informed

ISED has published several procedures, policies and standards that apply to licensing. Consult our Official Publications page to see if there is additional information that could be relevant to you.

We also have a Spectrum Allocation Tool that you can use to find information about specific bands or frequency ranges like those in the fixed service

You require a licence for a point-to-point system

For systems using frequencies above 960 MHz, the application must be submitted by an engineer. See RSP-113 — Application Procedures for Planned Radio Stations Above 960 MHz in the Fixed Service for details.

Click the button below to apply for a licence.

Note that you must have previously registered before using the Spectrum Management System (SMS). If you have not done so already, Register to use the SMS to get your Web Profile.

To learn more about radio licences, consult our Radio licensing page.

See How to apply for a radio licence for information on how to apply for a licence.

Apply for: Point-to-point

Be informed

ISED has published several procedures, policies and standards that apply to licensing. Consult our Official Publications page to see if there is additional information that could be relevant to you.

We also have a Spectrum Allocation Tool that you can use to find information about specific bands or frequency ranges like those in the fixed service

You require a licence for a point-to-transportable system

For systems using frequencies above 960 MHz, the application must be submitted by an engineer. See RSP-113 — Application Procedures for Planned Radio Stations Above 960 MHz in the Fixed Service for details.

Click the button below to apply for a licence.

Note that you must have previously registered before using the Spectrum Management System (SMS). If you have not done so already, Register to use the SMS to get your Web Profile.

To learn more about radio licences, consult our Radio licensing page.

See How to apply for a radio licence for information on how to apply for a licence.

Apply for: Point-to-transportable

Be informed

ISED has published several procedures, policies and standards that apply to licensing. Consult our Official Publications page to see if there is additional information that could be relevant to you.

We also have a Spectrum Allocation Tool that you can use to find information about specific bands or frequency ranges like those in the fixed service

You require a licence for a transportable-to-transportable system

For systems using frequencies above 960 MHz, the application must be submitted by an engineer. See RSP-113 — Application Procedures for Planned Radio Stations Above 960 MHz in the Fixed Service for details.

Click the button below to apply for a licence.

Note that you must have previously registered before using the Spectrum Management System (SMS). If you have not done so already, Register to use the SMS to get your Web Profile.

To learn more about radio licences, consult our Radio licensing page.

See How to apply for a radio licence for information on how to apply for a licence.

Apply for: Transportable-to-transportable

Be informed

ISED has published several procedures, policies and standards that apply to licensing. Consult our Official Publications page to see if there is additional information that could be relevant to you.

We also have a Spectrum Allocation Tool that you can use to find information about specific bands or frequency ranges like those in the fixed service

The fixed service may not be what you are looking for

Please take a look at these other service pages:

If you are still unsure, consult ISED for help by contacting your local Spectrum Management District Office.

 
 
My frequencies are BELOW 960 MHz - Start questionnaire
 

1. Will your system have any mobile stations?

Mobile stations are stations that move and are meant to be operated while moving or stopped. For instance, radios installed in vehicles (such as police cars or ambulances) or hand-held/portable radios (like walkie-talkies).

Transportable stations are fixed stations that can be moved to different locations within a specified area of operation. They are not meant to be operated while moving, as opposed to mobile stations, and may have a deployable mast to support the antenna.

  • 1a. There are no mobile stations

    2. Will your system establish a link between two fixed or transportable stations, or more than two stations?

    Examples of systems with two stations only:

    • studio-transmitter link (STL) in frequency bands described in SRSP-501
    • back-to-back link between two repeater sites in frequency bands described in SRSP-500 or SRSP-501

    Example of a system with more than two stations:

    • telemetry system from multiple locations to one central point such as a municipal water metering system
    • 2a. More than two stations

      3. Does your system consist of a central station communicating with other remote stations (point-to-multipoint), or multiple stations communicating with each other without any central station (mesh network)?

      • 3a. Point-to-multipoint

        4. Will the remote stations be operated within the following parameters:

        • if the antenna is outside a building, with an effective radiated power (ERP) of 5 watts maximum
        • if the antenna is inside a building, with an ERP of 30 watts maximum
      • 3b. Mesh network
    • 2b. Only two stations
  • 1b. There are mobile stations
  • 1c. I am not sure

The fixed service may not be what you are looking for

Please take a look at these other service pages:

If you are still unsure, consult ISED for help by contacting your local Spectrum Management District Office.

Consult documentation or ISED

If you are unsure of the parameters of your planned radio system, we recommend that you continue to consult our documentation.

You may also consult ISED for help by contacting your local Spectrum Management District Office.

Alternatively, you may consult an agent, a consultant, a radio service provider or any other knowledgeable specialist.

You require a licence for a point-to-point system using the “Base and mobile” form

Important note when entering information:

  • At the “System type” page, you will be asked to choose an “Application type.” Select “Fixed to fixed (point-to-point).” Then, for “System configuration,” select “Fixed to fixed” if both of your stations are fixed, or one of the other options if some stations are transportable.
  • If you require assistance when filling out the form, consult the Radio licence - Data entry guide.

Click the button below to apply for a licence.

Note that you must have previously registered before using the Spectrum Management System (SMS). If you have not done so already, Register to use the SMS to get your Web Profile.

To learn more about radio licences, consult our Radio licensing page.

See How to apply for a radio licence for information on how to apply for a licence.

Apply for: Fixed to fixed (point-to-point) using the “Base and mobile” form

Be informed

ISED has published several procedures, policies and standards that apply to licensing. Consult our Official Publications page to see if there is additional information that could be relevant to you.

We also have a Spectrum Allocation Tool that you can use to find information about specific bands or frequency ranges like those in the fixed service

You require a licence for a mesh network system using the “Base and mobile” form

Important note when entering information:

  • At the “System type” page, you will be asked to choose an “Application type.” Select “Mesh networks (simplex only).”
  • If you require assistance when filling out the form, consult the Radio licence - Data entry guide.

Click the button below to apply for a licence.

Note that you must have previously registered before using the Spectrum Management System (SMS). If you have not done so already, Register to use the SMS to get your Web Profile.

To learn more about radio licences, consult our Radio licensing page.

See How to apply for a radio licence for information on how to apply for a licence.

Apply for: Mesh networks (simplex only) using the "Base and mobile" form

Be informed

ISED has published several procedures, policies and standards that apply to licensing. Consult our Official Publications page to see if there is additional information that could be relevant to you.

We also have a Spectrum Allocation Tool that you can use to find information about specific bands or frequency ranges like those in the fixed service

You require a licence for a point-to-multipoint system with unknown endpoints, using the “Base and mobile” form

Important note when entering information:

  • At the “System type” page, you will be asked to choose an “Application type.” Select “Point-to-multipoint (unknown endpoints).”
  • If you require assistance when filling out the form, consult the Radio licence - Data entry guide.

Click the button below to apply for a licence.

Note that you must have previously registered before using the Spectrum Management System (SMS). If you have not done so already, Register to use the SMS to get your Web Profile.

To learn more about radio licences, consult our Radio licensing page.

See How to apply for a radio licence for information on how to apply for a licence.

Apply for: Point-to-multipoint (unknown endpoints) using the "Base and mobile" form

Be informed

ISED has published several procedures, policies and standards that apply to licensing. Consult our Official Publications page to see if there is additional information that could be relevant to you.

We also have a Spectrum Allocation Tool that you can use to find information about specific bands or frequency ranges like those in the fixed service

You require a licence for a point-to-multipoint system with known endpoints, using the “Base and mobile” form

Important note when entering information:

  • At the “System type” page, you will be asked to choose an “Application type.” Select “Point-to-multipoint (known endpoints).”
  • If you require assistance when filling out the form, consult the Radio licence - Data entry guide.

Click the button below to apply for a licence.

Note that you must have previously registered before using the Spectrum Management System (SMS). If you have not done so already, Register to use the SMS to get your Web Profile.

To learn more about radio licences, consult our Radio licensing page.

See How to apply for a radio licence for information on how to apply for a licence.

Apply for: Point-to-multipoint (known endpoints) using the "Base and mobile" form

Be informed

ISED has published several procedures, policies and standards that apply to licensing. Consult our Official Publications page to see if there is additional information that could be relevant to you.

We also have a Spectrum Allocation Tool that you can use to find information about specific bands or frequency ranges like those in the fixed service

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