About Us

Welcome to the Spectrum, Information Technologies and Telecommunications (SITT) Gateway.

Our goal is to provide our clients with enhanced access to integrated, easy to find information and services, anytime, anywhere and in the official language of your choice.

This Gateway is your entry to a wide range of information on services and programs provided by the SITT Sector of Industry Canada. The Sector offers a broad range of policies, programs and services aimed at facilitating the development and use of information and communication technologies, systems and services for Canadians.

Our branches:
• Strategic Policy and Planning
• Electronic Commerce Branch
• Information and Communications Technologies Branch
• Information Highway Applications Branch
• Radiocommunication and Broadcasting Regulatory Branch
• Spectrum Engineering Branch
• Telecommunications Policy Branch
• Regional Offices

The following provides an outline of Branch programs and services. More information can be obtained by visiting specific SITT Sector Websites

Strategic Policy and Planning
• provides sector strategic policy, planning and coordination services
• coordinates federal-provincial-territorial initiatives related to the information highway
• coordinates statistical and research plans
• promotes the use of ICT applications and services
• plans, develops and coordinates Sectoral strategies, policies and research
• prepares sector strategic plans
• manages sector financial resources and administrative services


Electronic Commerce Branch
• maintains domestic and international policy leadership favourable to the conduct of e-business (Privacy | Cryptography and Security | Authentication | International)
• works to accelerate the rapid adoption and use of electronic commerce by Canadian industry (Canadian e-business Initiative | Market Development)
• encourages innovation in approaches to the development of e-commerce technology and applications (Suppliers | Research/Metrics)
• works closely with the private sector, consumer and public interest organizations, the provinces and territories, other federal government departments and agencies on a policy framework


Information and Communications Technologies Branch
Based on its unique knowledge of the Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) sector, the ICT Branch of Industry Canada influences policy and decision-makers to position Canadian companies for growth and innovation in the global marketplace.

• Sector Intelligence & Analysis undertakes economic and statistical analysis and monitors industry trends and emerging sectors, critical to priority setting and decision-making, for the ICT Sector.
• Policy Development influences government decision-making and policy development, and develops and manages programs, for the ICT Sector.
• Business Development provides business development services to exploit commercial opportunities for the ICT Sector.
• Assistive Devices Industy office represents the assistive technology industry in Canada.
  

Information Highway Applications Branch
Information and communications technologies, particularly the Internet, are fundamentally changing the way Canadians live, work and learn. Through the delivery of innovative programs, Industry Canada's Information Highway Applications Branch helps Canadians to help themselves and open doors to economic opportunities by ensuring individuals and communities have the capabilities, networks and tools to participate in the global information economy. By maximizing opportunities for Canadians to access and adopt technologies we can safeguard and strengthen the social and economic fabric of Canada. This is part of Industry Canada's commitment to deliver innovative services for the betterment of Canadian society.

The Information Highway Applications Branch delivers programs such as First Nations SchoolNet, the Community Access Program, Computers for Schools, Francommunautιs virtuelles, and Broadband for Rural and Northern Development.

Radiocommunication and Broadcasting Regulatory Branch

Provides national leadership and program direction for the delivery of the spectrum management program across Canada. Under the authority of the Radiocommunication and Broadcasting Acts, the Branch:

• develops spectrum management regulatory and operational policies and procedures;
• plans, authorizes and manages radio spectrum use by Canadian operators and licence holders, and certifies broadcasting facilities;
• ensures appropriate access to the radiofrequency spectrum by as many users and for as many uses as possible; and
• provides a fair return to the government for the use of the radiofrequency spectrum

Spectrum Engineering Branch
• negotiates and implements international treaties, agreements and arrangements for terrestrial and satellite telecommunications services
• develops and harmonises national and international standards for spectrum / telecom services and issues channel allotment plans
• develops and ensures technical standards, procedures, regulations and sharing requirements for telecommunications services and for electromagnetic compatibility
• tests and certifies radio and telecom terminal equipment
• represents and promotes Canada's interests in international forums
• provides secretariat support to the Telecommunications Standards Advisory Council of Canada (TSACC)
• develops automated spectrum management systems and provides technology transfer mechanism and support to Canadian companies


Telecommunications Policy Branch
• formulates policies, recommendations, regulations and legislation to promote the development, efficiency and competitiveness of telecommunications facilities and services, including spectrum and satellite orbits, and the Internet
• advises the Minister on the impact of regulatory decisions on the industry and consumers, and on the disposition of appeals of CRTC decisions
• produces reports and studies in support of policy development though ongoing review of industry developments and of the policy and regulatory framework
• represents Canadian interests in bilateral and international telecommunications and Internet negotiations and policy fora


Regional & District Offices
District and Regional Offices offer a full range of services and programs to the public pertaining to spectrum management and telecommunications, information highway, information and communication technologies as well as e-commerce, including:
• Radiocommunication Licensing and Certification
• Broadcasting Procedures, Rules, Standards
• Radiocommunication Interference
• Enforcement of Radiocommunication Regulations
• Certification of Low Power FM Broadcast Stations
• Radiofrequencies Management
• Industrial Development and International Commerce
• E-commerce marketing
• Prime contact for local inquiries on Industry Canada services