The CRTC announced Thursday it will once again start processing radio applications that have been placed on hold during a more than three-year deferral period.

The commission has only been processing new applications or complaints related to radio that demonstrate “exceptional circumstances” since August 2023, as it focused its resources on implementing new policy around modernizing the Canadian broadcasting framework.

The CRTC said Thursday that given the progress it’s made on its regulatory plan, it will now resume processing applications, with the deferral coming to an end in concert with the publication date of its upcoming audio policy. A specific release date has yet to be announced.

Previous applicants will be sent letters asking them to confirm whether they wish to proceed with their applications as originally submitted, amend, or withdraw them.

“For applications received until that date, the Commission will continue to require applicants to demonstrate exceptional circumstances to justify the need to process those applications,” the CRTC stated. “This requirement will no longer apply once the new audio policy is published.”

The commission says it will consider applications in the order they were received as well as the type of application.