Industry Canada is the lead department for radio, spectrum and telecommunications issues. The websites below can direct users who are interested in finding information on obtaining amateur radio licences, solving interference problems, or the programs and services the department has to serve Canadians.
Amateur Radio Operator Certificate Information
The Amateur Certificate Fact Sheet contains information on obtaining an Amateur Radio Operator Certificate and call sign, taking certificate examinations and operating an amateur radio station. Visitors can apply online to replace an Amateur Radio Certificate and find out about the relevant fees. Users can also locate accredited examiners throughout Canada and find out about international agreements allowing Canadian amateurs to operate stations while visiting other countries.
Amateur Radio Service
The Amateur Radio Service provides access to information and resources for Amateur Radio Operators and those wishing to become Amateur Radio Operators. The site provides:
- fact sheets and information relating to Amateur Radio Examinations and Certification;
- updates relating to the Radiocommunication Act;
- amateur radio publications and guides for examiners; and
- amateur radio societies and organizations with an interest in amateur radio operation.
The Broadband for Rural and Northern Development Pilot Program provides funding to bring publicly available broadband access to Canadian communities, particularly to First Nations, northern, remote and rural communities.
The site provides a guide to the program and access to the Broadband Marketplace, where communities can find help with the development of their broadband business plans. There are also maps of the broadband distribution in Canada, information on applications, and a resource centre that contains a business case summary tool.
Headed by the Communications Research Centre Canada of Industry Canada, the Canada Network of Wireless Centres (CWCnet) is a network of wireless centres of excellence from across Canada. Its main goals are to:
- provide small and medium-sized enterprises with the infrastructure for testing wireless products and services;
- fill the technology gaps in the Canadian wireless industry;
- foster the commercialization of research and development.
This website includes information about CWCnet partners, a members list, information on how to join the network, member news, and available services and support.
The Canadian National Organization for the Telecommunication Standardization Sector of the International Telecommunication Union (CNO/ITU-T) was established in 1973 and comprises members from the public and private sectors of the Canadian telecommunications community. Its objective is to promote and coordinate Canadian participation in the activities of the ITU-T. The CNO/ITU-T fulfills the purposes of the ITU relating to telecommunications standardization. Check this website for information on the CNO/ITU-T organizational structure, read the manual outlining its governance, check the related links, or contact the CNO/ITU-T.
The Canadian Table of Frequency Allocations assigns the electromagnetic spectrum between 9 kHz and 275 GHz, and is based on most of the provisions resulting from the various World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRC), including the WRC 2000, convened by the International Telecommunication Union. The Canadian Table is intended to respond to Canadian domestic spectrum requirements, and consequently reflects Industry Canada's spectrum allocation and utilization policies developed through public consultation. Notices published in the Canada Gazette and proposed revision documents are also included on the site.
Certification and Engineering Bureau
The Certification and Engineering Bureau provides a service to ensure that both radio and terminal equipment in Canada meet the specified certification standards.
Users can:
Communications Research Centre Canada (CRC)
CRC, an agency of Industry Canada, is the Canadian government's primary laboratory for research and development (R&D) in advanced telecommunications. R&D is used for public policy purposes and to strengthen the Canadian economy through technology and knowledge transfer. Under its four research branches (Terrestrial Wireless, Satellite Communications and Radio Propagation Research, Broadband Network Technologies and Broadcast Technology), CRC specializes in taking an interdisciplinary approach to longer-term R&D in wireless systems, radio fundamentals, communication networks, photonics and interactive multimedia. More information about CRC is available at: www.crc.ca.
Direct-to-home (DTH) satellite broadcasting is the distribution of television signals from high-powered geostationary satellites to small dish antennas and satellite receivers. On this website, you can find out what's new; read about authorized Canadian DTH service providers, Canada's broadcasting policy, consumer information, and frequently asked questions; or check the additional links provided.
Emergency Telecommunications
Industry Canada is the lead federal department for developing, maintaining and facilitating emergency telecommunications policies and programs in Canada.
Learn about the responsibilities of the Emergency Telecommunications Branch and its ongoing activities, including programs, projects, committees, working groups, and exercises. Access reference documents and information about recent disasters affecting Canadians or link to Regional Activities for details of emergency telecommunications programs and projects being administered locally.
Anyone operating a fixed or portable marine radio in a pleasure craft is required by law to have a Restricted Operator's Certificate (Maritime). Industry Canada has delegated the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons (CPS) the authority to issue the certificate. The site explains how users can obtain the Restricted Operator's Certificate (Maritime) by taking either the Radio Talk Seminar or the Radio Talk Manual home-study course.
The Spectrum Management and Telecommunications Branch provides advice in solving interference problems by providing tools and pamphlets to enable users to identify sources of interference and correct the problems themselves. The site features the multimedia tool entitled Cutting Through Interference, which contains a guide for radio operators on installing and maintaining their stations and a guide designed to track down the sources of household interference.
SPECTROCAN is a global systems integrator focused on delivering comprehensive spectrum management solutions to regulators around the world. Through a government–industry transfer-of-technology agreement, SPECTROCAN has integrated and commercialized the spectrum management technology of Industry Canada. Check this website for information on partners, spectrum management consulting and training services, case studies, and product information.
Spectrum Direct is the Spectrum Management and Telecommunication's online services website. Through this service, users can try the Amateur Radio Exam Generator, pay a radio licence invoice online, find information about licence applications, search the National Maritime Information Database, receive online help, perform a radio frequency search in the Assignment and Licensing System (ALS) database, and find information on solving interference problems.
Spectrum, Information Technologies and Telecommunications Gateway
The Spectrum, Information Technologies and Telecommunications (SITT) Gateway provides users with access to information on services and programs from the various branches of the SITT sector, including:
- strategic policy and planning;
- electronic commerce;
- information and communications technologies;
- information highway applications;
- radiocommunication and broadcasting regulatory;
- spectrum engineering; and
- telecommunications policy.
Users can find information about committees, e-business, international activities and policies, the internet, telecommunications, and radiocommunications and broadcasting. Information on services related to certification/standards, community development, employment, health, heritage, industry support, learning and licensing is also available.
Spectrum Management and Telecommunications
Check the Spectrum Management and Telecommunications website for information about:
- Online services
- Broadcasting (e.g. digital radio broadcasting, digital television, direct broadcast satellites)
- Radiocommunication (e.g. amateur radio services, cellular services, family radio services, spectrum auctions)
- Telecommunications (e.g. emergency telecommunications, foreign investment review, Internet issues)
- Certification/standards (e.g. Terminal Attachment Program Advisory Committee, Telecommunications Standards Advisory Council of Canada)
- Consumer information (e.g. direct-to-home satellite broadcasting, solving interference problems)
- Canada Gazette notices and petitions
- Official publications (e.g. forms, guidelines, legislation, policies, standards)
- Reports and references (e.g. Canadian Table of Frequency Allocations and Chart, licence fees)
- Internet issues (e.g. Cyberwise Strategy, Domain Name System)
- Related sites (e.g. federal and provincial/territorial governments, research institutes)
The Technical and Administrative Frequency Lists (TAFL) website provides the frequency lists for radio systems in Canada.
The Telecommunications Policy Review Panel was established by the Minister of Industry on April 11, 2005, to conduct a review of Canada's telecommunications policy and regulatory framework. The Minister has appointed Dr. Gerri Sinclair, Hank Intven and André Tremblay as the members of the Panel. The Panel will conduct a review of Canada's telecommunications policy and regulatory framework, and make recommendations to make it a model of 21st century regulation.
This site includes information about the Panel's terms of reference, biographies of the panelists, as well as news releases and other correspondence from the Panel. The site also includes the Panel's consultation document and submissions from interested parties that have been received as part of the Panel's public consultation process.
Wireless low power devices include items such as wireless microphones and cameras, talking signs, baby monitors and cordless telephones. These may either require a radio licence or be exempted from licensing. Check this website for information on the operating conditions and equipment specifications for wireless low power devices. For more information on Industry Canada's policy and licensing procedures for wireless low power devices, please contact the Industry Canada Spectrum Management Office nearest you.
Additional Resources
Canadian Delegation to Participate in UN World Summit on Information Society — November 16, 2005
Legislation to Modernize Investigative Techniques Introduced Today — November 15, 2005
|