Frequently Asked Questions
About using epass to submit to the CRTC
For information regarding secure access to the
Telecommunications Industry Data Collection System (DCS) please visit the
DCS - epass FAQ page.
What is an epass, and what will I use it for?
An epass is a unique electronic credential (username/password) that you use to
communicate securely with on-line Government services. You can own several
different epasses if you choose, or re-use the same one with different services
or departments. Your epass will not expire if you use it at least once a year.
Apart from using it to submit applications to the CRTC, you will be able to
use it to authenticate your identity when you send information to any Government
epass service, or when you sign an on-line Government document. Your epass
ensures that messages or documents that you transmit on-line are not altered.
How do I obtain an epass?
The following steps will guide you through obtaining your epass and activating
it at the CRTC.
1. Obtain your one-time activation code by calling the Commission’s
Documentation Centre 1-866-893-0932 or TDD (toll free) 1-877-909-2782. Agents are
available to assist you by phone Monday to Friday (except holidays) from 08:30 to
16:30, Eastern Time, year round.
- If you are already identified at the Commission, you will be issued a
unique activation code.
- If you are not identified at the Commission, you will need to provide
certain identifying information (your name, address, etc.) before being issued
your unique activation code.
You will only need to use your assigned activation code the first time you
access the Commission using epass. If you do not use your code to activate your
epass within 14 days, you will need to contact the CRTC to obtain another
activation code.
2. The first time you access the epass Canada site as a New User, you
will be informed that you’re required to sign an epass User Agreement
that:
- authorizes epass Canada to collect the information needed to issue you an
epass;
- certifies that the information you provide is true; and
- states you agree to keep your password and username secret and to report
possible security breaches.
3. You will create your own unique username and password.
In order to safeguard the security of your username and password:
- do not share your registration information;
- do not share your username and password with anyone – even family members;
- memorize your password instead of writing it down.
In order to maximize security:
- do not use your name for your username;
- do not use personal numbers like birth or anniversary dates, partial
telephone numbers, family names or names of pets;
- change your password every 3 to 6 months;
- do not leave your computer unattended once you have logged in;
- close your browser after you complete a session.
4. You will have to select and answer 3 questions that epass Canada will use
in the event that you forget, or wish to change your password or if you want to
revoke your epass. You cannot change the epass questions or answers (though
future versions will allow you to do this), so choose your questions and answers
carefully.
5. You will be required to sign the epass User Agreement using your newly
created password.
6. After you sign the epass agreement you will be returned to the CRTC’s Web
site where you will be prompted to input the activation code you obtained in Step
1.
- If you are ready to file an application, you may proceed to fill in the
Cover Page.
- If you are not ready to file an application, simply logout (top menu bar)
after you input your activation code. You will use your already activated epass
to submit your Cover Page when you file your application.
How do I file an application using epass?
Once you have obtained and activated your epass, and once you have completed
the application form and accompanying documentation and are ready to submit your
application, go to the File, Register and Epass page. Select the option to Submit an
application using epass. You will see a page that provides important information
on privacy issues as well as instructions for filing your application. You may
wish to print this page. By clicking on the choice to proceed with your
submission, you are agreeing to the terms outlined on the page. From the
instructions page, you will be forwarded to the epass Canada site where you will
be asked for your user name and password. Once you have entered this information,
you will be returned to the CRTC’s site to the Cover Page you will need to
complete in order to submit your application electronically.
How do I attach files to my cover page?
Before attaching a file:
In the Cover Page, you can identify whether the documents are confidential
and/or ex-parte. All confidential information must clearly be marked as
confidential. If you are submitting follow-up documents pertaining to an
application, select Broadcasting or Telecom, then choose "other" from the
list of available types.
You will need to electronically sign each attachment by
entering your password each time you attach a file. If you are attaching
more than one file, you may want to zip them so that you will only have to
electronically sign one attachment.
Information on zipping files.
To attach a file:
- Type in your password for the username shown.
- Press the Add File button.
- Locate the file in the window that opens.
- Press the Open button to add it to the list.
To remove any unwanted files, press the icon button next to the file
you want to remove.
Once you submit the documents, you will receive a
confirmation indicating the date and time they were received.
How secure will your epass information be?
All registration information that you provide is protected under the federal
Privacy Act. You can help safeguard security by:
- not sharing your registration information;
- not sharing your username and password with anyone – even family members;
- memorizing your password instead of writing it down;
- ensuring that your password is meaningful to you but meaningless to others.
You can maximize security by:
- not using your name for your username;
- not using personal numbers like birth or anniversary dates, partial
telephone numbers, family names or names of pets;
- changing your password every 3 to 6 months;
- not leaving your computer unattended once you have logged in;
- closing your browser after you complete a session.
Remember that you have signed a User Agreement stating that you will do your
part to maintain the security of your username and password.
What happens if I forget my username?
If you forget your username you will need to contact epass Canada for
instructions: You can reach them at 1-866-EPASS-GC (1-866-372-7742).
What if I forget my password?
If you forget your password:
- Go to the Welcome to epass Canada page (Go to CRTC’s File,
Register and Epass page and select the option to submit an application using epass and
follow the steps through until you get to epass Canada), select the forgot
your password? option from the choices at the bottom of the epass Canada
screen.
- Follow the prompts on screen – you will need to enter your username and you
will be prompted to answer the 5 questions you chose when you first enrolled.
How do I change my username and/or password?
- on the Welcome to epass Canada page (Go to CRTC’s File,
Register and Epass
page and select the option to submit an application using epass and follow the
steps through until you get to epass Canada), select the change your
password or change your username option from the bottom of the epass
Canada screen;
- you will be prompted to enter your current username and password;
- you will then be asked to enter a new username and password.
What do I do if I suspect that someone knows my username and password? (How
do I revoke my epass?)
If you suspect that someone knows your username and password, you can revoke
your epass:
- on the Welcome to epass Canada page (Go to CRTC’s File,
Register and Epass
page and select the option to submit an application using epass and follow the
steps through until you get to epass Canada), select the revoke your epass
option and follow the instructions;
- or call epass Canada at 1-866-EPASS-GC (1-866-372-7742).
When you revoke your epass you lose your ability to submit any
information to the CRTC in a secure, electronic manner. If you wish to reinstate
your ability to send secure information to the Commission, you will need to enrol
as a new user, and be issued a new epass. If you have revoked your epass because
of a suspected security breach, be sure to use a new username and password.
Remember that you will also need to obtain a new activation code by contacting
the CRTC’s Documentation Centre at 1-866-893-0932 or TDD (toll free)
1-877-909-2782.
Date Modified: 2006-06-20
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