A microwave radiocommunication licence application consists of many components, some of which are mandatory, and some of which are application-dependent. The list below details all of the components available on the site, provides a description of each, and indicates the dependencies. See Steps and Timing for the interrelationships between the components, and strategies for preparing the most efficient application.

Letter of Intent

The purpose of the letter of intent is to demonstrate that the appropriate policy requirements, as determined by the Department, are met. The letter of intent describes the purpose, nature, and rationale for the application. It contains:

• reference information identifying the applicant and the purpose of the application,
• public interest information detailing the needs, alternatives, and facilities associated with the application,
• operation information discussing issues such as location, traffic, projected growth, and in-service schedule,
• spectrum utilization information identifying the frequency, required bandwidth, modulation, etc., and
• other information applicants feel would make the application complete.

The letter of intent may be submitted without accompanying application materials, if the applicant wishes to verify the acceptability of the project before proceeding with the full licence application. For more information on this approach, see Steps and Timing.

The letter of intent is mandatory for all applications.

Licence Application

The licence application is, as the name implies, the actual application for the microwave radiocommunication licence. It contains:

• the letter of intent,
• application information listing administrative requirements such as application and licence number, and other reference information,
• station details indicating the SIC Code, system coordinates, and physical characteristics of the station and antennae, and
• date information detailing the date the application was created and/or modified.

While an initial application may contain a letter of intent only, the licence application is mandatory for all full radiocommunication applications.

Frequency Information

The frequency information provided with a licence application details the precise frequency proposed for use, along with the equipment model using the frequency. It also includes such information as equipment attenuation and power, and details about the antenna (e.g., gain, model, polarization, height, etc.). The frequency information also indicates if coordination with the U.S. is required.

This is a mandatory component: all stations must have at least one frequency associated with them.

Link Stations, Reflectors, Repeaters

The frequency may also have a list of link stations associated with it. This is a mandatory component. All frequencies must have at least one Link Station associated with them.

As well, a frequency may include lists of billboard passive reflectors or repeaters (back-to-back antennas) that are used to propagate the signal. On a given link, the reflector or repeater is only to be added to the station closest to it. This is an optional component.

The records include the information required for coordination with U.S. agencies, to prevent inadvertent interference, as specified in the Terrestrial Radiocommunication Agreements and Arrangements (TRAA). Notwithstanding the need to consult with the TRAA, generally, for frequencies under 18 GHz, the coordination distance is 120 km from the US border; for frequencies over 18 GHz, the coordination distance is 60 km from the US border.

If, after consulting the TRAA, and the notes on coordination included in this help, you are unsure if stations in your system require coordination, please contact the Department.

Attestation

The Attestation page is used to certify that all required studies have been performed, and all required standards have been met, prior to the submission of the licence application. Technical certification by an engineer licenced by a provincial association or order of engineers is also included on this page, along with identification of the party authorizing the application. While the application process relies heavily on the honour system (i.e., the attestation is trusted), the Department does conduct regular spot checks to ensure that the system is not being abused.

This is a mandatory component.

Verify and Submit Application

When all mandatory and optional application components have been completed, click the Verify and Submit Application link to submit the application to Industry Canada for processing. If no errors or omissions are detected, the application status changes to "Submitted", and you can no longer edit the application.