Radiofrequency Spectrum Licensing and Certification (Spectrum Direct) ensures the access of Canadians to the radio spectrum. Spectrum Direct issues authorization for the use of Spectrum and manages its ongoing availability by preparing and enforcing policies and standards. Spectrum Direct is the website that offers a variety of services to license holders and to the general public. The Spectrum, Information Technologies and Telecommunications (SITT) Gateway is a portal that provides access to all of Spectrum’s information and service, including over 50 relevant web sites.

What’s available online for clients?

Information services:

Information about the spectrum services;
Licensing, regulations, policies, standards and procedures for broadcast radiocommunications and telecommunications activities;
Database extracts for the broadcasting service in Canada;
Downloadable forms and applications;
Radio and television industry data and statistics;
Radio frequency searches;
License data; and
National maritime information database.

Transaction services:

Self-service spectrum management;
Self-service account management;
Online payments; and
Online spectrum auctions.

Clients and benefits of online service

Clients:

Radiocommunications users (individuals, corporations, partnerships, or joint ventures) who operate radio apparatus for personal, government or business use; and

Radiocommunications carriers and service providers (examples include safety services, telecommunications companies, radio equipment suppliers, business associations, and international spectrum users).

Benefits:

Faster turnaround and response times (e.g. faster creation of submissions: processing of online applications starts 3-5 days earlier than if submitted in person or by mail);

Secure access to account information;

Improved quality of application submissions; and

Broader service options (e.g. clients can use data provided online to refine their applications or proposals).