The Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) of Canada provides the Client Procedures Circular CPC-2-1-11, licensed wireless microphones.
The term “wireless microphones” is used generically and is meant to include not only wireless microphones, but also cue and control communications, synchronization of video camera signals and FM transmitters.
The requirement to obtain a radio licence for a wireless microphone is dependent upon the Radio Standards Specification (RSS) under which the wireless microphone has been approved for use in Canada:
- wireless microphones certified under RSS-210 are exempt from licensing requirements
- wireless microphones certified under RSS-123 require radio licences granted by the Minister subject to the Radiocommunication Act
Frequency bands for devices approved under RSS-123
| Frequency Band (MHz) | Maximum TX Power (W) | Maximum E.R.P. (W) | Bandwidth (kHz) | Licensing Eligibility | Device Type(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26.10 - 26.48 | -- | 1 | 200 | A | Wireless microphones |
| 88 - 107.5 | -- | 1 | 200 | A | Wireless microphones, LPAS, and other broadcasting services devices |
| 150 - 174 | 0.05 | -- | 54 | A | Wireless microphones |
| 450 - 451 455 - 456 | -- | 1 | 200 | A | Auxiliary broadcast, wireless microphones |
| 941.5 - 952 953 - 959.85 | 1 | -- | 200 | B | Wireless microphones |
| 6930 - 6955 7100 - 7125 | 1 | -- | 600 | B | Wireless microphones |
Licensing eligibility A: To be eligible to apply for licenses within the specified bands, holders of a licensed wireless microphone must meet the eligibility requirements in section 9 (1) of the Radiocommunication Regulations.
Licensing eligibility B: To be eligible to apply for licenses within the specified bands, holders of a licensed wireless microphone must meet the eligibility requirements in section 9 (1) of the Radiocommunication Regulations and operate as one of the following: broadcasters and other program producers, large venue operators/owners and professional sound companies, theatre, music and sporting events/similar organizations that require high quality audio wireless microphones as part of their productions/events.
Client Procedures Circular CPC-2-1-11, issue 4, Licensing Procedures for Licensed Wireless Microphones replaces CPC-2-1-11, issue 3, Licensed Low-Power Radio Apparatus, dated February 5, 2015.
Please refer to this link for the full procedures on the licensing of licensed wireless microphones.