A radio licence is the authorization issued by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) to allow the operation of one or more wireless devices on specific frequencies. A radio licence authorizes the use of specific radio apparatus (equipment), at a specified location or radius of operation, on assigned frequencies, with a specified power level, as well as other technical specifications.
Radio licences normally have a one-year term, are charged fees, and reference services defined in the Radiocommunication Regulations.
Examples may include shopping centre security or ambulance communication systems, airport control towers or other such private communication networks.
On this page:
Types of services supported by radio licensing
Before you apply for a radio licence, consult the services below to see which one best meets your needs.
Aeronautical service
Information on aeronautical radiocommunications. Examples: airplanes, helicopters, air traffic control towers.
Maritime service
Information on licensing a station for maritime radiocommunications. Examples: fishing vessels, pleasure crafts, maritime ports and marinas, Coast Guard stations.
Land mobile service
Information on land mobile radiocommunications. Allows you to build a radio network to communicate between mobile vehicles, equipment or portable radios. Examples: farm operations, taxis, police, private networks.
Radiodetermination service
Information on licensing a station in the radiodetermination service. Example: radars to measure position, velocity or other characteristics of an object or physical phenomenon.
Fixed service
Information on using the fixed service for radiocommunications between two or more fixed stations. Examples: SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) systems, relaying information between two or more towers.
Developmental service
If you have a new business idea or are developing new wireless radio equipment, you may apply for a radio licence in the developmental service. This licence is for research and development purposes only.
Access radio licensing
This licensing service provides a means for underserved rural and remote areas to access flexible-use spectrum for broadband private networks.
Learn more at: Access licensing framework for radio licences
Who can hold a licence?
Canadian residents or organizations are normally eligible to hold radio licences, unless otherwise specified. Prior to submitting a request for a radio licence, see the eligibility requirements in section 9 of the Radiocommunication Regulations.
Exemptions from radio licences
Any individual or organization that intends to operate radio apparatus (equipment) or use radio frequencies for radiocommunications in Canada is legally required to hold a radio licence, unless they are otherwise exempt.
Under certain conditions, radio apparatus may not require a licence to operate in Canada. Examples of such radio equipment include:
- cordless phones
- baby monitors
- family radio service (FRS, for example portable radios)
- equipment used under the general mobile radio service
- remote garage door openers
Certain radio licence applicants may also be exempt from requiring a radio licence to operate in Canada.
For more information on licence exemptions and how this may pertain to you, see: Exemptions
Your obligations as a licence holder
In order to manage spectrum effectively, ISED requires licensees to adhere to conditions of licence on an ongoing basis.
For more information, see: Compliance information for licence and certificate holders
Fees
Radio licence fees are prescribed under the Radiocommunication Regulations and depend on the type of licence and/or the service associated to the licence. Before you can operate the radio equipment, you must pay the monthly fees for the issuance of a new licence, and then annual fees by March 31 of each year to continue to operate.
If you make modifications to your licence during the year (such as increasing the number of radios or changing the station location) you may incur additional fees.
For more information on how fees are structured, see: Radio licence fees
For information on how to calculate radio licence fees, consult: RIC-42 — Guide for Calculating Radio Licence Fees
Service standards
We strive to meet our service standards and provide prompt service for your request.
For more information, consult: Spectrum and Telecommunications Service Standards
Agents for radio authorizations
Are you an applicant?
If you are an applicant intending to use an agent, you must have filled out the ISED-ISDE3052 — Retention of an Agent form.
Learn more at: Agents for radio authorizations
Are you an agent?
If you are a supplier or an agent acting on behalf of a new applicant or an existing licence holder, you need a web profile in our Spectrum Management System (SMS) in order to apply for new licences and manage existing licences.
Learn more at: Agents for radio authorizations
Document hub
Consult our Official publications page for additional information on radio licensing.
Other radio authorizations
To see all radio authorizations issued by ISED, go to the Radio authorizations page.
Spectrum licences
Radio licences are typically not used to authorize wide frequency ranges where other frameworks exist. If you would like to utilize frequency bands that have an associated spectrum licence framework, see Spectrum licences.
Satellite spectrum licences
Radio licences exclude spacecrafts such as satellites. For more information on approvals and licences for satellites or earth stations, see Satellite spectrum licences.
Broadcasting certification
If you are looking to set up a broadcasting station in the AM, FM or TV broadcasting frequencies, see Broadcasting certification.