Interference

Interference happens when electromagnetic energy in the environment causes disruptions to electronic devices.

Interference can affect two kinds of devices:

1. Radio apparatus: This term refers to a device or a combination of devices capable of transmitting or receiving radio waves. Examples include AM/FM receivers, cellular phones and towers, Wi-Fi routers, and two-way radios. Radio apparatus can experience interference, which is the degradation or interruption of its transmission or reception. Frequent or severe interference negatively affects the functionality of the radio apparatus.
2. Radio-sensitive equipment: This category includes devices that are particularly vulnerable to interference from radio frequency signals. Such equipment consists of non-radio electronics, such as medical devices, navigation systems, and scientific instruments. When these devices encounter interference, it disrupts their normal operation and performance.

Interference to radios is largely prevented through ISED's comprehensive spectrum management program, which includes:

• spectrum allocation – sets frequencies aside for different services so they can operate side-by-side in an organized way.
• equipment standards – ensuring manufacturers design devices in ways that avoid causing or receiving interference.
• radio system standards – to ensure licensees install devices in consistent ways to maximize fairness when operating in a shared band.

However, users of certain consumer radios must accept interference, as written on the radios label or in its user manual.

Similarly, users of radio-sensitive equipment may also need to accept interference, as such equipment may lack proper shielding and filtering.

Interference can come from radio apparatus or non-radio interference-causing equipment – such as machinery or electrical systems.

The causes of interference are different case-by-case, but it is often unintentional.

Common sources include equipment faults, manufacturing defects, improper grounding, or the improper use of radio apparatus, machinery, or electrical systems.

In some instances, the issue can be a fault within the device experiencing interference due to wear, defects, or improper use.

It is essential to ensure that all radio equipment you use is appropriately certified for use in Canada. Radios designed for foreign markets, that are not certified for use in Canada, have a high chance of causing interference due to incompatibilities with our spectrum allocations and radio standards.

The consequences of using uncertified radio equipment in Canada can range from financial penalties and equipment seizure. A list of certified equipment for use in Canada can be found in the Radio Equipment List.

While interference can certainly be a nuisance, not all interference is considered harmful.

In fact, many consumer devices must accept interference, as may be written on their label or in their manual. ISED will usually not investigate interference to such devices unless the issue is wide-spread or unusual.

ISED focuses its efforts on investigating harmful interference, that which:

• endangers the use or functioning of a safety-related radiocommunication system (such as police, fire, ambulance, and aeronautical services), or
• significantly degrades, obstructs, or repeatedly interrupts the functioning of radio apparatus, or radio-sensitive equipment (non-radio electronics).

If you are experiencing interference, we have provided a self-help series below for consumers and licensees.

These documents provide information and advice for solving common inference problems.

• cutting through interference – AM and FM radios
• cutting through interference – Audio recording and home stereo equipment
• cutting through interference – Amateur and citizen band (CB) radios
• cutting through interference – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, global positioning systems (GPS) and other licence-exempt devices
• cutting Through Interference – Testing Circuit Breakers

Effective measures can be taken by licensees to reduce the likelihood of radio frequency interference and mitigate its potential effects.

• cutting through interference – Information for licensees

Interference can be reported to ISED through its Spectrum Management district offices. These offices will review the information you provide, determine whether the interference is harmful, and take appropriate action to identify and resolve the issue.

If you are a public safety agency, including:

• police, fire, emergency medical services,
• the Canadian Coast Guard, or
• the Department of National Defence – Search and rescue,

Please refer to CPC-3-13-03 for important additional information.

For interference to radio apparatus, ISED's actions may involve:

• confirming if the radio is a type that must accept interference.
• searching for the interference source through on-field investigations.
• engaging the owner or operator of an interference source to resolve the problem.
• issuing warnings or fines to non-compliant parties.
• seizing non-certified equipment, non-compliant radios, or interference-causing equipment.
• removing non-compliant equipment from the Radio Equipment List.

For interference to radio-sensitive equipment, ISED's actions may involve:

• searching for the interference source through on-field investigations.
• performing on-premises field strength measurements to resolve disputes. between the operator of a radio source and the owner of sensitive equipment.
• engaging the owner or operator of an interference source to resolve the problem.