How to apply for a developmental spectrum licence

If you require frequencies for testing devices or systems, please refer to the information below on how to apply for a developmental spectrum licence in the Spectrum Management System (SMS), along with the requirements to get started.

On this page:

Before getting started

What should I know before applying for a licence?

Before applying for a developmental spectrum licence, we encourage applicants to review the Developmental Licence Playbook for more information about this type of licence. Please note that this type of licence cannot be used for operational purposes or commercial trials that involve financial cost recovery from users.

Note: Section 9 of the Radiocommunication Regulations establishes the basic eligibility requirements for holding a spectrum licence in Canada. These eligibility requirements remain valid for developmental licences.

Note: Developmental licences include several conditions that must be respected at all times. If you receive a licence, you must comply with all conditions on an ongoing basis.

Fees

No fees currently apply to developmental terrestrial spectrum licences.

Fees may apply for developmental satellite spectrum licences. For more information, visit:
Notice No. SMSE-001-23 — Fee Order for Space Stations
Notice No. SMSE-002-23 — Fee Order for Earth Stations

Note: When fees apply, you must ensure that the invoice is fully paid by the due date indicated on the invoice to remain in compliance with the Radiocommunication Act. For more details, refer to the Compliance information for licence and certificate holders.

Application process

The application process is generally similar for all spectrum licences.

Application process at a glance

Description of figure

This figure presents a flowchart that provides an overview of the spectrum licence application process:

  1. ISED receives the application.
  2. ISED assesses the application.
    1. If the application is complete and valid, ISED processes the application.
    2. If the application is not complete and valid, the application is sent back to the applicant with instructions for correction. The applicant can resubmit the application to ISED once issues have been addressed.
  3. ISED processes the application and determines if it can be approved.
    1. If the application is approved, the applicant will receive an invoice for the approved licence. The applicant pays the invoice. The licence is granted and now available to be viewed or printed on the Spectrum Management System (SMS). The licensee can start operating.
    2. If the application is not approved, the application is denied and the applicant is made aware of the reasons for the denial. The applicant may submit a new application once all reasons for the denial have been addressed.
 

Steps to apply for a developmental spectrum licence

If you are interested in applying for a developmental spectrum licence, you will first need to Register to use the SMS. After registration is complete, the SMS will allow you to manage your licences and applications.
This section describes how to apply for developmental:

  • terrestrial spectrum licences
  • space station spectrum licences
  • generic earth station spectrum licences
  • site-approved earth station spectrum licences

Once you submit your application, your part is complete. An ISED official will review your application and will contact you if they have questions or require additional information. Please note that incomplete information will result in the application being Returned and its assessment stopped until the missing information is provided.

If your application is approved, you will be sent an invoice.  Once paid, your licence will become valid. You will then be able to deploy and operate your wireless equipment. You will also be able to View or print a licence, which will include applicable conditions of licence.

Developmental terrestrial spectrum licence

If you are interested in applying for a developmental terrestrial spectrum licence, please follow these steps:

  1. Go to ISED’s Developmental Licence Playbook.
  2. Scroll and click Apply now.
  3. Click the link to complete the Letter of Intent.
  4. Click Submit to validate that the information you entered meets expected criteria. Sections with errors will be clearly identified in the Summary screen. Correct any errors if necessary and resubmit the request when ready.

Developmental space station spectrum licence

If you are interested in applying for a developmental space station spectrum licence, please follow these steps:

  1. Go to ISED’s Satellite spectrum authorizations services page. Log in using your Web Profile when requested.
  2. Scroll and click Apply for a space station spectrum licence.
  3. Click the Apply for a new space station spectrum licence button (or Copy button if applicable).
  4. The Spectrum Management System (SMS) will walk you through the process to enter the information for your new licence.
    • Note: Consult section 5  of CPC-2-6-02 for a list of information required.
    • Note: Indicate your request is for a developmental licence on the “General Information” page by selecting “Developmental” in the licence category drop down option and enter the end date of operations where indicated. Also attach a short description of the testing you will be conducting.
  5. Click Submit to validate that the information you entered meets system validation requirements. Sections with errors will be clearly identified in the Summary screen. Correct any errors if necessary and resubmit the request when ready.

Developmental generic earth station spectrum licence

If you are interested in applying for a developmental generic earth station spectrum licence, please follow these steps:

  1. Go to ISED’s Satellite spectrum authorizations services page. Log in using your Web Profile when requested.
  2. Scroll and click Apply for an earth station spectrum licence.
  3. Click the Apply for a new generic earth stations spectrum licence button (or Copy button if applicable).
  4. The Spectrum Management System (SMS) will walk you through the process to enter the information for your new licence.
    • Note: Consult annex B of CPC-2-6-03 for a list of information required.
    • Note: Indicate your request is for a developmental licence on the “General Information” page by selecting “Developmental” in the licence category drop down option and enter the end date of operations where indicated. Also attach a short description of the testing you will be conducting.
  5. Click Submit to validate that the information you entered meets system validation requirements. Sections with errors will be clearly identified in the Summary screen. Correct any errors if necessary and resubmit the request when ready.

Developmental site-approved earth station spectrum licence

If you are interested in applying for a developmental site-approved earth station spectrum licence, please follow these steps:

  1. Go to ISED’s Satellite spectrum authorizations services page. Log in using your Web Profile when requested.
  2. Scroll and click Apply for an earth station spectrum licence.
  3. Click the Apply for a new site-approved earth station spectrum licence button (or Copy button if applicable).
  4. The Spectrum Management System (SMS) will walk you through the process to enter the information
    • Note: Consult annex A of CPC-2-6-01 for a list of information required.
    • Note: Indicate your request is for a developmental licence on the “General Information” page by selecting “Developmental” in the licence category drop down option and enter the end date of operations where indicated. Also attach a short description of the testing you will be conducting.
  5. Click Submit to validate the information you entered meets system validation requirements. Sections with errors will be clearly identified in the Summary screen. Correct any errors if necessary and resubmit the request when ready.

If you are not sure what to apply for, please refer to: Satellite spectrum authorizations

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