Satellite communication devices: ISED certification and the Canadian Representative
Satellite user terminals that transmit (phones, messengers, IoT trackers, VSAT and in-motion terminals) are certified in Canada under RSS-170 and related standards for mobile-satellite and fixed-satellite earth stations, and the Canadian Representative requirement applies to foreign applicants in the usual way. Receive-only GNSS receivers are not transmitters and need no certification. Operation of the terminal on a satellite network is a separate licensing matter for the operator.
What is specific to this category
Certification versus licensing. ISED certifies the terminal as radio apparatus under RSP-100 and the applicable RSS (RSS-170 for mobile earth stations in several bands; RSS-192 and RSS-195 for fixed wireless and related services; other standards by band). Whether the terminal may be operated in Canada on a given satellite network is a spectrum-licensing question for the network operator, governed by the operator's Canadian authorization and, for some services, by licence-exempt status. The Canadian Representative role belongs to the certification side only.
Combined terminals. Many satellite messengers and IoT devices also contain Bluetooth or Wi-Fi (RSS-247) and cellular (RSS-130 family). Separate certifications mean separate letters. See one representative letter per IC ID.
RF exposure. Handheld satellite phones and messengers transmit at higher power than terrestrial consumer devices, and RSS-102 SAR evaluation is the norm. Fixed and vehicle-mounted terminals are evaluated for MPE at the relevant distance.
In-motion terminals. Earth stations in motion (aircraft, maritime, vehicular) operating in Ku and Ka bands are subject to specific standards and operator authorization. The certification path and representative requirement are unchanged.
Foreign applicants are the rule. Satellite terminal makers are concentrated in the United States, Europe and Israel. Nearly every applicant in this category needs a Canadian Representative under RSP-100 section 4.1. See the requirement explained.
Long service. Maritime and remote-monitoring terminals stay in service for many years. Choose a representative that will be there. See how long must a Canadian Representative be appointed.
Typical certification path
Lab tests to RSS-170 or the applicable satellite RSS, plus RSS-247 and RSS-130 family for any terrestrial radios, RSS-102 exposure, RSS-Gen. CB issues the IC number. The applicant, if outside Canada, orders the Canadian Representative letter at application; we issue the same business day. Network authorization proceeds separately with the satellite operator.
Sources. RSP-100, Issue 12, section 4.1. RSS-170, RSS-102 and RSS-Gen as published by ISED; standard applicability by band should be confirmed with your lab and CB.