Introduction to the Spectrum Management System

Contents


Licensing Services

Enquiries

Should you have any questions regarding your licences or certificates and how they may change, please feel free to send us an email at Spectrum Support.

Online Spectrum Management System (SMS) — Frequently Asked Questions

More information about OnlineSMS is provided on the OnlineSMS — Frequently Asked Questions page.


Equipment Certification

Services Included

The following services are included:

  • Certification for radio equipment
  • Registration of terminal equipment
  • Registration of wireless test sites
  • Radio Equipment List & Terminal Equipment List search tools
  • Company Name search tool

Anticipated Changes for Clients, Consultants and the Public

Clients and Consultants
Sub-service Types

Clients must apply for the certification or registration of specific equipment types.

  • New Single Product Certification/Registration
  • New Family Product Certification/Registration
  • Add New Product to Existing Certification/Registration (C1PC, C2PC)
  • Product Modification (C3PC, C4PC)
  • Multiple Listing of Certification/Registration
  • Full Transfer of Certification/Registration
  • Partial Transfer of Certification/Registration
  • New Test Site Registration
  • Renew Test Site Registration
  • Radio Equipment List (REL)
  • Telecommunications Apparatus Register (TAR)
  • Wireless Test Site list
  • Company Name (Profile Details) list
Account Numbers

If you currently hold an equipment certification or registration, your existing account structure and account number (company code) will remain the same. A new company requesting a company code will be given a 5-digit account number generated by the Spectrum Management System. If you have multiple accounts associated with different services, these accounts will remain as they are today, except that the existing account numbers will be replaced with the new sequentially generated account numbers.

Certification and Registration Numbers

Your certification or registration number remains a unique identifier that should be cited when obtaining services from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

Fees

Fees will continue to be charged according to existing regulations. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada reserves the right to change fees according to any new legislation.

REL and TAR

The existing REL and TAR (Radio Equipment List and Telecommunication Apparatus Register) will remain, but the .xml format will be different.

Online Application Forms

New application forms will be available on the Spectrum Management System website. These forms can be completed and submitted online. Clients can attach PDF documents to their online application.

General Public

No changes to public information are expected from this software change.


Broadcasting

Services Included

All broadcasting services are included, such as:

  • AM
  • FM
  • TV (digital and analog)
  • Terrestrial repeaters of satellite digital audio radio service (S-DARS) undertakings

Anticipated Changes for Clients, Consultants and the Public

Clients and Consultants
Sub-service Types

Clients will continue to be able to apply for broadcasting certificates for various broadcasting station types as defined in Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's Broadcasting Procedures and Rules.

Account Numbers

If you have applied for or currently hold a broadcasting certificate, an account number has been generated for each unique address at which you receive a broadcasting certificate. This account number is a 12-digit number starting with "074" and ending with the address identifier that was included in the letter sent to certificate holders in early June 2015. For example, if your address identifier was 12345, the account number would be 074000012345. Under the new Spectrum Management System, all service types (e.g. microwave, land mobile, broadcast) can be captured under the same client account. Accounts will be rationalized in the future by departmental staff in consultation with clients.

Certificate Numbers

Your certificate number remains a unique identifier that should be cited when obtaining services from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. Existing certificate numbers will change. For example, a certificate number and certificate version could be "010000001-003", representing the third version of certificate 010000001 issued by the new system. The version number will be introduced to help you to track changes to your certificate over time.

File numbers that were associated with existing stations will continue to be associated with those stations.

Division of Certificates (Multiple Frequencies or Channels)

Some certificate holders currently hold certificates that include multiple frequencies or channels. Under the new system, separate certificates will be issued for each frequency or channel.

Online Application Forms

Previously, electronic applications for broadcasting undertakings could only be submitted to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada by email. Application forms for most broadcasting services will now be available on the new Spectrum Management System website. These forms can be completed and submitted online for new or modified AM, FM and TV broadcasting services. Clients can attach documents such as PDF files to their online application.

General Public

The broadcasting database export, broadcasting service contours and available call sign list will be available from the Spectrum Management System website. Any additional changes to public information will be communicated at a later date.


Spectrum Licensing

Services Included

All spectrum licence services will be included, such as:

  • Auction licences
  • Non-auction licences

Anticipated Changes for Clients, Consultants and the Public

Clients and Consultants
Account Numbers

If you currently hold a spectrum licence, your existing account structure will remain the same, but your existing account number (company code) will be changed to a new sequentially generated 10-digit account number. A new 12-digit account number will be generated for each of your existing accounts. Note, however, that your existing account number will be stored along with the new account number to assist in the changeover to the new system.

If you have multiple accounts associated with different service centres across Canada, these accounts will remain as they are today, except that the existing account numbers will be replaced with the new sequentially generated account numbers. Under the new Spectrum Management System, all service types (e.g. spectrum licences, microwave, land mobile, broadcast) can be captured under the same client account. Accounts will be rationalized in the future by departmental staff in consultation with clients.

Licence Numbers

Your licence number remains a unique identifier that should be cited when obtaining services from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. Existing licence numbers will change. For example, a licence number and licence version could be "010000001-003", representing the third version of licence 010000001 issued by the new system. The version number will be introduced to help you to track changes to your licence over time.

Note, however, that your existing licence number will be stored along with the new licence number to assist in the changeover to the new system.

Online Application Forms

Previously, applications for a spectrum licence involved an auction or a direct application sent to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. Auction procedures and licensing will remain the same. From now on, applications for available spectrum can be made through the Spectrum Management System website rather than by email or on paper. Clients can attach documents such as PDF files to their online application. All other applications must continue to be made by email or on paper.

General Public

Some changes are expected to public information. These will be communicated at a later date.

Additional Information

The new Spectrum Management System website, which replaces the Spectrum Direct website, can be found at: http://sms-sgs.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/sms-sgs-prod.nsf/eng/home.

Licensees will need to create a web account in the new system. If you have not yet created a new account, please contact your nearest Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada office. Addresses can be found in Radio Information Circular RIC-066 which can be found at: http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf01742.html.

Land Fixed/Mobile (Incl. Radiodetermination)

Services Included

The following services are included:

  • Radio licences for the following systems:
    • Base to mobile
    • Fixed (in the land mobile service)
    • Mobile only
  • Radio licences in the Developmental and Radiodetermination services.
  • Radio licences for users and providers.

Anticipated Changes for Clients, Consultants and the Public

Clients and Consultants
Sub-service Types

Clients must apply for a radio licence under one of the following sub-services:

Service

  • Land mobile

Sub-service

  • Base-mobile
  • Light-licensed mobile
  • Mobile only
  • Radiodetermination
Account Numbers

If you currently hold a radiocommunication licence, your existing account structure will remain the same, but each account number (company code) will be changed to a 10-digit account number. The new number is based on the existing number. As well, your existing account number will be stored along with the new account number to assist in the changeover to the new system. For new accounts, a 10-digit sequential account number will be generated.

If you have multiple accounts associated with different service centres across Canada, these accounts will remain as they are today, except that the existing account numbers will be changed to the new format. Under the new Spectrum Management System, all authorization types (e.g., land mobile, microwave, broadcast, spectrum licences) can be captured under a single account or kept separate as they are today. Accounts will be rationalized in the future by departmental staff in consultation with clients.

Licence Numbers

Your licence number remains a unique identifier that should be cited when obtaining services from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. Existing licence numbers will change to a new nine-digit number followed by a version number. This version number will help you to track changes to your licence over time. For example, a licence number and licence version could be "010000001-003" representing the third version of licence number 010000001 issued by the new system. All current licences will become version "001" in the new system.

Licence structure

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada will be changing the way stations are licensed to better represent the communications that are authorized. For example, a base station and mobile station that are in communication can now be authorized by a single licence for that base-to-mobile communication. When you have different mobile equipment using the same assigned frequencies in the same area, this can be authorized by a single licence. In some cases, defining your communications activity will require that a fee-exempt station be included in your licence data. These licence changes will sometimes change the fees payable for each licence but will not affect the total fees payable for all your authorized stations.

A new simplified Light-licensed Mobile licence type is being introduced for those mobile stations using pre-assigned frequency bands.

Fees

Fees will continue to be charged according to existing regulations. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada reserves the right to change fees according to any new legislation.

Online Services

Under the current system, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada provides access to assignment data via the Technical and Administrative Frequency List (TAFL) data files and the Radio Frequency Search on Spectrum Direct for data related to frequencies below 960 MHz. This data will now be accessed by a new online tool, and the format of the data provided will be different. TAFL file downloads will be replaced by an enhanced search capability.

For most services, clients generally submit applications for radio licences via the Web using the current Spectrum Direct features. Clients who wish to make applications for land mobile, maritime, aeronautical or earth station systems will be directed to a new area of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s Spectrum website at the time of its launch, which will require clients to re-register their Web user account. Departmental staff will contact affected clients in advance.

As part of its work, the Department will add to its Web application submission pages to allow for licence applications in all services.

General Public

No changes to public information are expected from this software change.


Maritime

Services Included

The following services are included:

  • Maritime base stations (Coast stations)
  • Vessels

Anticipated Changes for Clients, Consultants and the Public

Clients and Consultants
Sub-service Types

Clients must apply for a radio licence under one of the following sub-services:

Service

  • Maritime

Sub-service

  • Base Station (Coast station)
  • Vessels
Account Numbers

If you currently hold a radiocommunication licence, your existing account structure will remain the same, but each account number (company code) will be changed to a 10-digit account number. The new number is based on the existing number. As well, your existing account number will be stored along with the new account number to assist in the changeover to the new system. For new accounts, a 10-digit sequential account number will be generated.

If you have multiple accounts associated with different service centres across Canada, these accounts will remain as they are today, except that the existing account numbers will be changed to the new format. Under the new Spectrum Management System, all authorization types (e.g., land mobile, microwave, broadcast, spectrum licences) can be captured under a single account or kept separate as they are today. Accounts will be rationalized in the future by departmental staff in consultation with clients.

Licence Numbers

Your licence number remains a unique identifier that should be cited when obtaining services from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. Existing licence numbers will change to a new nine-digit number followed by a version number. This version number will help you to track changes to your licence over time. For example, a licence number and licence version could be "010000001-003" representing the third version of licence number 010000001 issued by the new system. All current licences will become version "001"in the new system.

Licence Structure

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada will be changing the way stations are licensed to better represent the communications that are authorized. For example, a base station and mobile station that are in communication can now be authorized by a single licence for that base-to-mobile communication. When you have different mobile equipment using the same assigned frequencies in the same area, this can be authorized by a single licence. In some cases, defining your communications activity will require that a fee-exempt station be included in your licence data. These licence changes will sometimes change the fees payable for each licence but will not affect the total fees payable for all your authorized stations.

A new simplified Light-licensed Mobile licence type is being introduced for those mobile stations using pre-assigned frequency bands.

Fees

Fees will continue to be charged according to existing regulations. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada reserves the right to change fees according to any new legislation.

Online Services

Under the current system, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada provides access to assignment data via the Technical and Administrative Frequency List (TAFL) data files and the Radio Frequency Search on Spectrum Direct for data related to frequencies below 960 MHz. This data will now be accessed by a new online tool, and the format of the data provided will be different. TAFL file downloads will be replaced by an enhanced search capability.

For most services, clients generally submit applications for radio licences via the Web using the current Spectrum Direct features. Clients who wish to make applications for land mobile, maritime, aeronautical or earth station systems will be directed to a new area of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s Spectrum website at the time of its launch, which will require clients to re-register their Web user account. Departmental staff will contact affected clients in advance.

As part of its work, the Department will add to its Web application submission pages to allow for licence applications in all services.

General Public

No changes to public information are expected from this software change.


Aeronautical

Services Included

The following services are included:

  • Aeronautical base stations
  • Aircrafts

Anticipated Changes for Clients, Consultants and the Public

Clients and Consultants
Sub-service Types

Clients must apply for a radio licence under one of the following sub-services:

Service

  • Aeronautical

Sub-service

  • Base Station
  • Aircraft
Account Numbers

If you currently hold a radiocommunication licence, your existing account structure will remain the same, but each account number (company code) will be changed to a 10-digit account number. The new number is based on the existing number. As well, your existing account number will be stored along with the new account number to assist in the changeover to the new system. For new accounts, a 10-digitsequential account number will be generated.

If you have multiple accounts associated with different service centres across Canada, these accounts will remain as they are today, except that the existing account numbers will be changed to the new format. Under the new Spectrum Management System, all authorization types (e.g., land mobile, microwave, broadcast, spectrum licences) can be captured under a single account or kept separate as they are today. Accounts will be rationalized in the future by departmental staff in consultation with clients.

Licence Numbers

Your licence number remains a unique identifier that should be cited when obtaining services from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. Existing licence numbers will change to a new nine-digit number followed by a version number. This version number will help you to track changes to your licence over time. For example, a licence number and licence version could be "010000001-003" representing the third version of licence number 010000001 issued by the new system. All current licences will become version "001" in the new system.

Licence Structure

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada will be changing the way stations are licensed to better represent the communications that are authorized. For example, a base station and mobile station that are in communication can now be authorized by a single licence for that base-to-mobile communication. When you have different mobile equipment using the same assigned frequencies in the same area, this can be authorized by a single licence. In some cases, defining your communications activity will require that a fee-exempt station be included in your licence data. These licence changes will sometimes change the fees payable for each licence but will not affect the total fees payable for all your authorized stations.

A new simplified Light-licensed Mobile licence type is being introduced for those mobile stations using pre-assigned frequency bands.

Fees

Fees will continue to be charged according to existing regulations. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada reserves the right to change fees according to any new legislation.

Online Services

Under the current system, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada provides access to assignment data via the Technical and Administrative Frequency List (TAFL) data files and the Radio Frequency Search on Spectrum Direct for data related to frequencies below 960 MHz. This data will now be accessed by a new online tool, and the format of the data provided will be different. TAFL file downloads will be replaced by an enhanced search capability.

For most services, clients generally submit applications for radio licences via the Web using the current Spectrum Direct features. Clients who wish to make applications for land mobile, maritime, aeronautical or earth station systems will be directed to a new area of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s Spectrum website at the time of its launch, which will require clients to re-register their Web user account. Departmental staff will contact affected clients in advance.

As part of its work, the Department will add to its Web application submission pages to allow for licence applications in all services.

General Public

No changes to public information are expected from this software change.


Satellite Fixed (under 960 MHz)

Services Included

This service is a continuation of the Satellite service made available in Pilot release.

The following services are included:

  • Satellite Fixed Earth Stations under 960 MHz
  • Includes transportable stations

Anticipated Changes for Clients, Consultants and the Public

Clients and Consultants
Sub-service Types

Clients must apply for a radio licence under one of the following sub-services:

Service

  • Satellite

Sub-service

  • Earth Stations Shared
  • Earth Stations Shared Transportable
  • Earth Stations Exclusive
  • Earth Stations Exclusive Transportable
Account Numbers

If you currently hold a radiocommunication licence, your existing account structure will remain the same, but each account number (company code) will be changed to a 10-digit account number. The new number is based on the existing number. As well, your existing account number will be stored along with the new account number to assist in the changeover to the new system. For new accounts, a 10-digit sequential account number will be generated.

If you have multiple accounts associated with different service centres across Canada, these accounts will remain as they are today, except that the existing account numbers will be changed to the new format. Under the new Spectrum Management System, all authorization types (e.g., land mobile, microwave, broadcast, spectrum licences) can be captured under a single account or kept separate as they are today. Accounts will be rationalized in the future by departmental staff in consultation with clients.

Licence Numbers

Your licence number remains a unique identifier that should be cited when obtaining services from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. Existing licence numbers will change to a new nine-digit number followed by a version number. This version number will help you to track changes to your licence over time. For example, a licence number and licence version could be "010000001-003" representing the third version of licence number 010000001 issued by the new system. All current licences will become version "001" in the new system.

Licence Structure

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada will be changing the way stations are licensed to better represent the communications that are authorized. For example, a base station and mobile station that are in communication can now be authorized by a single licence for that base-to-mobile communication. When you have different mobile equipment using the same assigned frequencies in the same area, this can be authorized by a single licence. In some cases, defining your communications activity will require that a fee-exempt station be included in your licence data. These licence changes will sometimes change the fees payable for each licence but will not affect the total fees payable for all your authorized stations.

A new simplified Light-licensed Mobile licence type is being introduced for those mobile stations using pre-assigned frequency bands.

Fees

Fees will continue to be charged according to existing regulations. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada reserves the right to change fees according to any new legislation.

Online Services

Under the current system, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada provides access to assignment data via the Technical and Administrative Frequency List (TAFL) data files and the Radio Frequency Search on Spectrum Direct for data related to frequencies below 960 MHz. This data will now be accessed by a new online tool, and the format of the data provided will be different. TAFL file downloads will be replaced by an enhanced search capability.

For most services, clients generally submit applications for radio licences via the Web using the current Spectrum Direct features. Clients who wish to make applications for land mobile, maritime, aeronautical or earth station systems will be directed to a new area of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s Spectrum website at the time of its launch, which will require clients to re-register their Web user account. Departmental staff will contact affected clients in advance.

As part of its work, the Department will add to its Web application submission pages to allow for licence applications in all services.

General Public

No changes to public information are expected from this software change.

Additional Information

The new Spectrum Management System website, which replaces the Spectrum Direct website, can be found at: http://sms-sgs.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/sms-sgs-prod.nsf/eng/home.

Licensees will need to create a web profile in the new system. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada will contact licensees shortly to inform them of the process.