New fees for telecom and radio equipment

Summary#

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) published a new fee order for certifying and registering telecommunications and radio equipment, and released updated technical rules for certain mid‑band spectrum. The new fees take effect September 1, 2023 and the technical documents cover equipment in the 3450–3900 MHz and 3475–3650 MHz bands.

What it does#

• Introduces a new fee schedule for assessment, certification and registration of radio and telecom apparatus under the Department of Industry Act, Telecommunications Act, and Radiocommunication Act.
  • Wireless equipment certification fee: $4,000 per application (covers one certification for single or multiple models).
  • Wireless equipment recertification fee: $160 per person‑hour (minimum charges apply: at least 2 hours for administrative recertification; at least 8 hours for technical recertification that includes test reports).
  • Equipment registration fee: $750 per submission.
  • Equipment registration amendment fee: $375 per amendment.
  • Fees are payable at application time, except recertification charges (payable after application but before services are provided).
  • The previous fee order (notice SMSE-008-07) is repealed as of September 1, 2023.
• Publishes or updates technical and spectrum documents:
  • Radio Standards Specification RSS-192 (Issue 5) — rules for flexible use broadband equipment in the 3450–3900 MHz band.
  • Standard Radio System Plan SRSP-520 (Issue 3) — technical requirements for fixed and/or mobile systems in 3450–3900 MHz.
  • Amendments to SRSP-303.4 (Issue 3) — updates for Fixed Wireless Access in 3475–3650 MHz.
• Notes these changes followed a public consultation (notice SMSE-022-22) and are explained in decision notice SMSE-006-23.

Who's affected#

• Manufacturers and importers of wireless devices who need certification or registration in Canada.
• Testing labs, conformity assessment bodies, and consultants who do certification work.
• Telecom operators and equipment vendors using mid‑band spectrum (notably the 3450–3900 MHz band used for 5G and related services).
• Smaller businesses or startups that may feel the cost or timing impact when bringing devices to market.
• If it’s unclear who will be affected by a specific rule or cost, companies should check the full ISED notices or contact ISED for details.

Why it matters#

• The new fee levels change the cost of getting devices certified in Canada; that can affect product prices, launch timing, or choices about whether to sell certain models here.
• The published technical rules clarify what equipment is allowed in key mid‑band frequencies that are important for 5G and fixed wireless access. That influences network deployment and the types of devices manufacturers design for the Canadian market.
• Because the changes followed public consultation, they reflect ISED’s current approach to balancing regulatory oversight, technical standards, and fee recovery — useful context for industry planning.