Just as it is important to have a driver’s license to drive a car, you must have a radio license to operate a radio as well. It is unlawful to transmit without a valid license unless the transmitter is license exempt.
Licenses are issued by Industry Canada, the government body responsible for Radio spectrum. For a fee we can apply for a license on your behalf if you would rather not navigate the complexities of antenna beam width, decibels and effective radiated power.
Handheld portable radios and vehicle mounted radios are licensed differently than fixed stations. The cost per mobile is $41 per year regardless of the number of individual frequencies on the license.
Licensing is our responsibility when we rent radio equipment (unless specified otherwise) and is shown separately as a license fee (AKA: airtime).
Fixed stations cost a lot more per year to license and are more complex in their rates. Each channel within each fixed station is subject to its own fee. The fixed station channel rate varies by region and other factors.
Licenses are due by March 31 each year. You can reach Industry Canada in the lower mainland at 604-930-8691
