Supporting Canadian Small Businesses

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - April 10, 2015) - Industry Minister James Moore today announced that the Government is streamlining radio, spectrum and satellite licensing and equipment certification. These changes will support future innovation and investment by small businesses in the Canadian telecommunications market.

Starting today, a new single-licence approach for large systems of satellite earth stations is in effect. This change alone is expected to save the satellite services industry at least $1 million annually. Coupled with other changes introduced by the Government since 2006, the total annual savings to radio, spectrum and satellite users will be approximately $10 million.

Today's announcement also supports the government's Red Tape Reduction Action Plan, which aims to grow the economy by removing unnecessary paperwork and cutting regulatory fees.

Canadian consumers will continue to benefit from the Red Tape Reduction Action Plan as companies reduce the time and costs involved in launching new products and services.

Quick facts

• Since 2006, licensing and certification-related fees have been reduced, saving businesses $10 million annually, and the regulatory paper burden has been reduced by 10 percent.
• A new satellite licensing fee regime will be implemented in 2016. This approach is expected to save satellite operators $5 million annually.
• Changes to the fee regime for radio licences have been implemented. These changes have reduced fees for virtually all licences by approximately $3 million annually.
• Since 2006, the Government has reduced other fees and administrative costs by approximately $1 million annually in addition to the $1 million in savings from today's announcement.

Quotes

"Our Government's top priorities remain jobs and economic growth. Reducing fees and eliminating the paperwork burden help small businesses streamline and improve their products and services so that Canadian consumers benefit from lower prices and better service in the telecommunications sector."

- James Moore, Minister of Industry

"These decisions, taken together, reduce and streamline the regulatory burden faced by Canadian satellite operators and, in doing so, will speed the delivery of state-of-the-art satellite services to all Canadians. In addition, the steps taken by the Government of Canada will help ensure that Canadian satellite operators are not placed at a disadvantage relative to operators licensed in other jurisdictions, enhancing our position in highly competitive and fast-changing global markets."

- Dan Goldberg, President and CEO, Telesat

Associated links

• CPC-2-6-01 - Procedure for the Submission of Applications to License Fixed Earth Stations and to Approve the Use of Foreign Satellites in Canada
• Industry Minister James Moore approves rule changes to reduce red tape and decrease fees for using Canada's radio airwaves

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