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Developmental Licence Playbook
Temporary spectrum access for wireless innovation
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
Temporary access to spectrum helps innovators test new wireless technologies and services in Canada. The program supports research and development trials in areas such as IoT, smart cities, satellite systems, and other advanced wireless applications.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product or service
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Transportation and warehousing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Health care and social assistance
- Public administration
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Financial cooperative
- Non-profit
- Sole proprietorship
- Public or Parapublic institution
- Non-financial cooperative
- Social economy enterprise
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
- Business Associations
- Not Elsewhere Classified
Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Testing new wireless technologies and services.
- Testing radio, spectrum, and satellite-related systems.
- Testing small-cell and high-density device systems.
- Testing IoT, smart city, autonomous vehicle, and augmented reality applications.
Documents Needed
- Letter of Intent
- Project objectives and timelines
- Technical information on the apparatus or system
- Annex B for earth/space station requests
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Wireless innovators
- Businesses developing new wireless technologies or services
- Organizations carrying out testing in research and development
- Academic projects related to satellite or wireless testing
Who is not eligible
- Businesses running commercial trials with cost recovery from users
Eligible expenses
- Licence fees for developmental radio and earth/mobile satellite licences, where applicable.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Commercial trials involving financial cost recovery from users.
- Activities that interfere with current or anticipated systems.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- Submit the Letter of Intent through the website.
- ISED reviews the letter and contacts the applicant.
- The licence is issued after payment of fees.
- Testing can begin under the licence, and renewal is possible if conditions are met.
- Final test results may be submitted voluntarily after completion.
Additional information
- Developmental licences are generally granted for up to one year.
- Licences can be renewed if conditions continue to be met.
- Project information is held in confidence.
- Final test results may be submitted voluntarily after the trial.
Documents and links
Frequently Asked Questions about the Developmental Licence Playbook Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Developmental Licence Playbook. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Developmental Licence Playbook?
Temporary access to spectrum helps innovators test new wireless technologies and services in Canada. The program supports research and development trials in areas such as IoT, smart cities, satellite systems, and other advanced wireless applications.
Who is eligible for the Developmental Licence Playbook program?
To be eligible for the Developmental Licence Playbook program, you must:
Research and development project
Advances technology
Time-limited trial
What expenses are eligible under Developmental Licence Playbook?
Testing new wireless technologies and services.
Testing radio, spectrum, and satellite-related systems.
Testing small-cell and high-density device systems.
Testing IoT, smart city, autonomous vehicle, and augmented reality applications.
Who can I contact for more information about the Developmental Licence Playbook?
You can contact Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED).
Where is the Developmental Licence Playbook available?
The Developmental Licence Playbook program is available across Canada.
Is the Developmental Licence Playbook a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Developmental Licence Playbook is a Other Support
Who are the financial supporters of the Developmental Licence Playbook?
Developmental Licence Playbook is funded by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)