Licensing Procedure for Global Positioning System
(GPS) Active Repeater Stations (sf10259)

5. Licensing Procedure

As the GPS serves a variety of purposes (e.g. aeronautical radionavigation, ground-based positioning information, timing system synchronization), it is crucial that harmful interference not be caused to it. As such, Industry Canada is not in favour of widespread deployment of GPS active repeaters due to their potential (however limited) to interfere with the GPS service.

Consequently, GPS active repeaters will be authorized as fixed radiodetermination service stations, as defined in the Radiocommunication Act, on a non-standard, no-protection, non-interference basis to other radio users. As well, licences for GPS active repeater stations will normally be issued to Category 1 public safety agenciesFootnote 3 only, and at the sole discretion of the District Director of the local Industry Canada Spectrum Management office.

Regardless, all applicants must clearly demonstrate their rationale for establishing GPS active repeater stations. Examples of rationales that may be acceptable to Industry Canada are:

  1. To eliminate satellite signal acquisition delays for GPS equipment installed in vehicles located indoors (and out of direct GPS satellite coverage areas), when such delays may have a critical impact on service operations. Public safety vehicles that are required to provide real-time vehicle location information upon leaving indoor parking locations would meet this criteria. Conversely, this rationale cannot be invoked by private businesses solely because their vehicles are parked indoors.
  2. To provide an indoor signal for GPS equipment trials and demonstrations.

In all cases, the amplified signal must only be transmitted within a building where the GPS signal would not otherwise normally be received. Furthermore, all requirements noted in Client Procedures Circular CPC-2-0-03, Radiocommunication and Broadcasting Antenna Systems, must be respected by GPS active repeater licensees.

5.1 Licence Fees

Licensing fees for GPS active repeaters will be the same as that for fixed radiodetermination service stations, as outlined in subparagraph 62(1)(a)(iv) of the Radiocommunication Regulations.

5.2 Licence Term

Radio licences for GPS active repeater stations will be issued for a term expiring on March 31 of each year. Licensees may renew their licence for the next annual term upon payment of the required annual licence fees in advance of March 31.


6. Licence Conditions

GPS active repeater station licences shall be issued with the following licence conditions:

  • GPS active repeater stations are non-standard radio systems, authorized on a no-protection, non-interference basis to other radio systems.
  • These stations are used for GPS signal distribution within the specified building only.
  • Radiated power must be kept to the minimum level required to ensure proper reception of the GPS signal within the building.
  • Station installation must ensure minimal external re-radiation of the GPS signal.
  • The licensee must comply with Client Procedures Circular CPC-2-0-03, Radiocommunication and Broadcasting Antenna Systems, as amended from time to time.
  • With respect to reported cases of harmful interference, the operator must immediately cease operation of the GPS active repeater station upon request from Industry Canada.