Behind the data
A better map starts
with better data.
Data correction is at the heart of North Towers. We cross-check ISED records, reconcile inconsistent fields and flag what still needs review — before those records become the map you explore.
National database snapshot. Counts below use the same Cell definitions as the app. A Cell may appear in several categories, so the rows must not be added together. The two Cell totals above are each deduplicated, but overlap with one another.
- ISED source date
- Statistics updated
01 / 16 categories
Corrections & standardisation
Frequency repairs, identity reconciliation, missing information and consistent naming. These include data enrichment and presentation adjustments, not just confirmed source errors.
Duplicate configurations
Reconcile duplicate source configurations.
45,266CellsNear-omnidirectional beamwidths
Make near-360° beamwidths display consistently.
3,998CellsAntenna beamwidth identification
Complete affected beamwidths using antenna model information.
46,101CellsExeculink network identifiers
Repair affected network identifiers.
3CellsIncomplete Canadian network identifiers
Complete affected Canadian PLMN identifiers.
201,330CellsBell network identifiers
Repair affected Bell network identifiers.
8CellsVidéotron radio identity
Reconcile radio and antenna information with licence records.
9CellsVidéotron radio technology
Correct the technology assigned to affected Cells.
4CellsTELUS radio identity
Reconcile affected radio identifiers and technology.
35CellsSpectrum licence frequencies
Reconcile frequencies with ISED licence information.
277,772CellsReviewed frequency corrections
Apply targeted frequency corrections after review.
120,821CellsDuplex classification
Correct the duplex classification of affected Cells.
2,669CellsRadio equipment identifiers
Update identifiers using ISED equipment information.
161,432CellsRadio manufacturer names
Correct affected radio manufacturer names.
373CellsAntenna manufacturer names
Standardise reported manufacturer names for consistent display.
536,785CellsAntenna manufacturer identification
Identify manufacturers using antenna model information.
43,889Cells
02 / 21 categories
Warnings that still need review
A warning is a reason to investigate, not proof that a record is wrong. Uncertain values remain available; we do not invent a replacement.
Invalid antenna manufacturer values
Numeric values appear where a manufacturer name is expected.
12,881CellsReported 0° / 1° antenna angles
An unusual direction and beamwidth pair needs confirmation.
9,054CellsBell 3G in Manitoba
These listed Cells may be obsolete.
3CellsIndoor / structure mismatch
An indoor classification conflicts with the reported structure.
7,479Cells4G date inconsistencies
Reported modification dates predate Canadian 4G service.
1,559Cells5G date inconsistencies
Reported modification dates predate Canadian 5G service.
25CellsGeneric radio model descriptions
A vendor description is used instead of a specific model.
21,782CellsGeneric certification descriptions
A generic equipment description replaces a certification number.
21,782CellsStandards in the model field
A technical standard reference replaces a specific radio model.
386CellsStandards in the certification field
A technical standard reference replaces a certification number.
759CellsUnverified FCFS38 equipment
Not verified in the available equipment list; this alone does not establish an error.
399CellsZero downlink allocation with transmission
A 0% downlink allocation accompanies a positive TX frequency.
10,390CellsInconsistent TDD allocation
The reported allocation conflicts with the derived duplex classification.
2,669CellsSuspect antenna heights
Outdoor antenna heights may contain placeholder values.
56,443CellsSuspect structure heights
Suspect heights are omitted from the map; source values remain available.
56,476CellsRadio HVIN not matched
No match in the available ISED Radio Equipment List.
34,840CellsCertification number not matched
No match in the available ISED Radio Equipment List.
34,840CellsConflicting equipment identifiers
HVIN and certification number point to different equipment entries.
637CellsAmbiguous equipment matches
Multiple or incomplete matches prevent a reliable identification.
428CellsPossible spectrum refarming
Frequencies may have moved to a newer technology at the same site.
9,451CellsReported frequency overlaps
The same operator reports overlapping frequencies at a site.
10,908Cells
03
Keep the evidence. Improve the interpretation.
Our corrections are applied within North Towers; they do not change ISED’s published database. We retain source values and record associations, cross-check licence and equipment information, and apply systematic checks alongside targeted manual review. The app keeps corrections and unresolved warnings separate.
There is more to fix.
We have not found or corrected every error. Some records cannot be resolved from public information alone. Actual equipment, installation status and ambiguous technical details may require confirmation from the operator that filed them. When we cannot verify a value, we leave it unresolved.
An open invitation
ISED and operators:
let’s improve the source.
Reliable public records benefit everyone who uses them. We encourage ISED and Canadian network operators to give greater attention to the accuracy and maintenance of spectrum and installation data. If useful, Zhongyuan and Kevin would be glad to share documented findings, help review inconsistencies and assist with corrections to the source database. Some answers can only come from the operators themselves.
Talk to Zhongyuan and Kevincontact@northtowers.ca