3 Letter call signs

BILL'S HISTORICAL RADIO SITE

CANADIAN THREE LETTER CALL SIGNS

(may later include some reference to other countries, but not just yet!)

Last updated November 27, 2010

THIS PAGE WAS UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN APRIL 2008 BUT SINCE THAT TIME HAS LANGUISHED, STILL TO BE COMPLETED.

Introduction

From the advent of radio to 1912 the identification of radio stations was ad hoc, or at best organized in a national or company system. In the case of radio coast stations many were operated by the Marconi company and after a time of using 2 letter call signs such as CR for Cape Ray, Newfoundland, and HX for Halifax, they changed to 3 letter calls.... the same two letters preceded by M, such as MHX for Halifax.

In 1912 an international conference set an international allocation of letter series to any interested country. At first all call signs or call letters appear to have been 3 letters i.e. two letters to identify the country and a one-letter suffix. Countries received several two letter groups, for example Canada received VA to VG at first. Some countries received all 26 groups beginning with a particular letter. For example the United States received NA to NZ and therefore any call sign beginning with N was American. At first the major user of radio other than experimenters was the marine service and therefore most call signs were for ships and coast stations. A coast station is one that is licenced to communicate with ships. As will be seen in the following lists, here in Canada both coast stations and ship stations received 3 letter call signs in the early days. Later when the need for call signs dramatically increased, ships received 4 letter call signs instead, and the 3 letter ones were rescinded and re-assigned to land stations. I say land stations because stations other than coast stations came on the air, including broadcasters and military stations. In time various different forms of call signs came into being, and these various forms, as well as the evolution of international prefixes, are covered in my general call letters page.

You are now reading my 3-letter call signs page written because this is the type of call letters that interest me the most.

Canada received VA to VG in 1912 but later also received VX and VY, CF to CK, CY and CZ, and XJ to XO. When Newfoundland joined Canada, her VO prefix came along, so that it is now Canadian. There is also an unofficial use of CB by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

3-letter call signs exist or did exist in all of these series except for the XJ-XO group. I have not seen any mention anywhere of 3-letter calls in this group.

The purpose of the following table is to show in alphabetical order all the 3-letter call signs from CBA to VYZ including their use and re-use.

Please note that this table is under construction. I am not citing references for specific statements, other than to direct you to my opening comments re my sources.

Call	Current or recent Usage as of 2008	Notes and Historical Evolution. May not be complete
CB Series (not officially allocated to Canada. Officially allocated to Chile and also in use there) Assigned only to CBC primary stations, not including rebroadcasters.
CBA	Moncton, NB	I believe this station may have started out in Sackville, NB but in more recent times has been located in nearby Moncton. It was an English language AM station operating on 1070 kHz but converted in 2008 to the FM band.
CBB		*I have not heard of any use of this 3-letter call.*
CBC		I have not heard of any use of this 3-letter call. The corresponding television call sign, CBCT, is in use in Charlottetown. Was CBC itself reserved for this location but never used? PEI does not have a primary CBC radio station.
CBD	Saint John	CBD was an English language AM station operating on 1110 kHz that converted to the FM band under the call sign CBD-FM
CBE	Windsor	CBE is a currently operating English language AM station operating on 1550 kHz. There is also a CBC Radio Two station using the call sign CBE-FM.
CBF	Montreal (French)	CBF was a French language AM station in Montreal that was converted in 1999 to the FM band.
CBG	Gander	CBG is a currently operating English language AM station on 1400 kHz.
CBH	Halifax, NS	CBH was an English language AM station in Halifax operating on 860 kHz. It converted [unknown year] to the FM band under the call sign CBHA-FM. The CBH-FM call sign is used by the CBC Radio Two station in Halifax.
CBI	Sydney NS	CBI is a currently existing AM English language station in Sydney, Nova Scotia. There is also in Sydney CBI-FM which is a transmitter for CBC Radio Two.
CBJ	Chicoutimi	CBJ was a French language AM station operating on 1580 kHz. It converted to FM in 1999 under the call sign CBJ-FM
CBK	Watrous, SK	CBK is a currently existing AM English language station at Watrous, Saskatchewan on 540 kHz. This station has a very wide area of coverage, being heard over much of North America. There is also CBK-FM in Regina, that transmits the CBC Radio Two programming.
CBL	Toronto	CBL was an English language AM station operating on 740 kHz, and converted to the FM band in 1999 under the call sign CBLA-FM. There is also a CBC Radio Two station, with the call sign CBL-FM.
CBM	Montreal	CBM was an English language AM station in Montreal that converted to the FM band in 1999.
CBN	St. John's	CBN is a currently operating English language AM station on 640 kHz. There is also CBN-FM transmitting the CBC Radio Two service.
CBO	Ottawa	CBO was an English language AM station that converted to the FM band under the call sign CBO-FM.
CBP		*I have not heard of any use of this 3-letter call. CBP is used as the first part of some low powered Tourist Information Radio Stations in Canada.*
CBQ	Thunder Bay	CBQ went on the air in 1973 on 800 KHz AM but converted to the FM band in 1990 as CBQT-FM. The call sign CBQ-FM is used by the CBC Radio 2 station in Thunder Bay.
CBR	Calgary	This call sign was originally assigned to the station in Vancouver, but has long since been assigned to the currently operating English language AM station in Calgary. There is also a CBC Radio Two transmitter using the call sign CBR-FM
CBS		*I have not heard of any use of this 3-letter call.*
CBT	Grand Falls	CBT is a currently operating AM English language station operating on 540 kHz.
CBU	Vancouver	CBU is a currently operating AM English language station on 690 kHz. There is also a CBC Radio Two transmitter using the call sign CBU-FM.
CBV	Quebec City	CBV was a French language AM station, but converted to FM in 1999.
CBW	Winnipeg	CBW is a currently operating AM English language station on 990 kHz. There is also CBW-FM transmitting the CBC Radio Two programming.
CBX	Edmonton	CBX is a currently operating English language station on 740 kHz. There is also a CBC Radio Two transmitter using the call sign CBX-FM.
CBY	Corner Brook	CBY is a currently operating AM English language station operating on 990 kHz
CBZ	Fredericton	CBZ was an English language AM station that operated on ???? kHz but converted to the FM band under the call sign CBZ-FM.
CF SERIES (Apparently used only by Naval stations)
CFA	ITU 1970 lists as: Drummondville
CFB
CFC
CFD	ITU 1970 lists as: Shearwater	Comox BC WWII Naval Station Shearwater NS Naval Air Station post war and now CFB
CFE	ITU 1970 lists as: Sydney	Naval Air Station Patricia Bay
CFF	ITU 1970 lists as: Ottawa	Ottawa Naval (HMCS Bytown, Naval HQ)
CFG
CFH	ITU 1970 lists as: Halifax	pre-WWII Halifax Naval Radio (xmtrs at Newport Corner); rcvr first at Stadacona, then at Albro Lake
CFI		WWII Quebec City Naval Post-war Fort Chimo Quebec. Closed early 50's 60's? Frobisher Bay
CFJ
CFK
CFL		WWII Gaspe Radio post war: HMCS Churchill, Churchill Manitoba supplementary radio stn.
CFM
CFN
CFO
CFP
CFQ	ITU 1970 lists as: Ottawa
CFR
CFS	ITU 1970 lists as: Massett	St. John's Nfld WWII, changed to CZP Masset(t) BC Supplementary Radio
CFT
CFU
CFV		WWII Yorke Island BC Gun Emplacement Post war NRS Aklavik and later moved to Inuvik, and closed in 80's (supplementary radio station)
CFW
CFX	ITU 1970 lists as: Gimli
CFY
CFZ
CG SERIES
CGA	ITU 1970 lists as: Drummondville
CGB
CGC	ITU 1970 lists as: Drummondville
CGD
CGE	ITU 1970 lists as: Charlottetown	poss used by Halifax Naval RAdio, Newport Cnr Reserve Division HMCS Queen Charlotte, Charlottetown
CGF	ITU 1970 lists as: Portage La Prairie
CGG
CGH		WWII Rigolet, NF post war: collective call for Cdn Naval shore stns.
CGI		NRS HMCS Gloucester, Ontario (supplementary radio station) closed inn 1972
CGJ
CGK
CGL	ITU 1970 lists as: Greenwood
CGM
CGN	ITU 1970 lists as: Esquimalt	Esquimalt Harbour Radio (QHM?)
CGO
CGP
CGQ	ITU 1970 lists as: Halifax	a naval radio station of some type in Halifax
CGR	ITU 1970 lists as: Vancouver
CGS	ITU 1970 lists as: Summerside
CGT	ITU 1970 lists as: Cold Lake	NRS Coverdale, NB from 1949, changed to CKT approx 1953
CGU
CGV	ITU 1970 lists as: Gander	post-war Halifax Radio, Newport Cnr Gander NF Supplementary Radio Station
CGW		post-war Halifax Radio, Newport Cnr
CGX		Halifax Radio (Local and Regional)
CGY
CGZ
CH SERIES
CHA	ITU 1970 lists as: Torbay (St. John's Military?)
CHB
CHC
CHD
CHE
CHF
CHG
CHH
CHI
CHJ
CHK	ITU 1970 lists as: Gimli
CHL
CHM
CHN
CHO	ITU 1970 lists as: St Hubert
CHP	ITU 1970 lists as: Winnipeg
CHQ	ITU 1970 lists as: Abbotsford
CHR	ITU 1970 lists as: Trenton
CHS
CHT	ITU 1970 lists as: Ottawa
CHU	Ottawa	Canada's Time Signal Station
CHV
CHW
CHX
CHY
CHZ
CI SERIES (Apparently used only by Army stations)
CIA	ITU 1970 lists as: Kingston
CIB	ITU 1970 lists as: Toronto
CIC	ITU 1970 lists as: CAlgary
CID	ITU 1970 lists as: Edmonton
CIE	ITU 1970 lists as: Victoria
CIF	ITU 1970 lists as: Borden
CIG	ITU 1970 lists as: Winnipeg
CIH	ITU 1970 lists as: Halifax	Halifax Cdn Army wartime station with MF and HF links throughout Quebec and Atlantic Canada
CII	ITU 1970 lists as: Shilo	Mulgrave NS Cdn Army wartime station with MF and HF links throughout Quebec and Atlantic Canada
CIJ	ITU 1970 lists as: Fredericton	Saint John Cdn Army wartime station with MF and HF links throughout Quebec and Atlantic Canada
CIK	ITU 1970 lists as: Prince Rupert
CIL	ITU 1970 lists as: London
CIM	ITU 1970 lists as: Montreal
CIN	ITU 1970 lists as: Edmonton
CIO	ITU 1970 lists as: Churchill	Arvida Cdn Army wartime station with MF and HF links throughout Quebec and Atlantic Canada
CIP	ITU 1970 lists as: Oakville
CIQ	ITU 1970 lists as: Quebec City	Quebec Cdn Army wartime station with MF and HF links throughout Quebec and Atlantic Canada
CIR	ITU 1970 lists as: REgina
CIS	ITU 1970 lists as: Petawawa
CIT	ITU 1970 lists as: Toronto	Debert Cdn Army wartime station with MF and HF links throughout Quebec and Atlantic Canada
CIU	ITU 1970 lists as: Chilliwack
CIV	ITU 1970 lists as: Vancouver
CIW		Shelburne, NS Cdn Army wartime station with MF and HF links throughout Quebec and Atlantic Canada
CIX	ITU 1970 lists as: Charlottetown
CIY	ITU 1970 lists as: Sydney	Sydney Cdn Army wartime station with MF and HF links throughout Quebec and Atlantic Canada
CIZ	ITU 1970 lists as: Montreal
CJ SERIES
CJA	ITU 1970 lists as: Drummondville
CJB	ITU 1970 lists as: Chatham, NB
CJC
CJD
CJE
CJF
CJG
CJH
CJI	ITU 1970 lists as: Portage La Prairie
CJJ
CJK
CJL
CJM
CJN
CJO
CJP
CJQ
CJR
CJS
CJT
CJU	ITU 1970 lists as: Comox	HMCS Quadra, Sea Cadet Camp, Comox, BC may have had other uses prior, as this camp may not have been in existence in 1970
CJV
CJW
CJX	ITU 1970 lists as: St. John's
CJY	ITU 1970 lists as: North Bay
CJZ
CK SERIES
CKA
CKB		HMCS Stadacona (Fleet School) Training Radio
CKC	ITU 1970 lists as: Canso
CKD	ITU 1970 lists as: Winnipeg	WWII Churchill, MB HMCS Chippewa Naval Reserve Division, Winnipeg
CKE	ITU 1970 lists as: Regina	WWII Discovery Island, BC (near Victoria) HMCS Queen Naval Reserve Division, Regina
CKF	ITU 1970 lists as: Saskatoon	WWII Vancouver, BC HMCS Unicorn Naval Reserve Division, Saskatoon
CKG	ITU 1970 lists as: Edmonton	WWII Prince Rupert HMCS Nonsuch Naval Reserve Division, Edmonton
CKH	ITU 1970 lists as: Calgary	WWII Toronto HMCS Tecumseh Naval Reserve Division, Calgary
CKI	ITU 1970 lists as: Montreal	HMCS Hochelaga Naval Reserve Division, Montreal - formerly the training school for supply division.
CKJ	ITU 1970 lists as: Halifax	WWII St HyacintheSignal School, Quebec post-war Naval Communications School Halifax before move to Cornwallis
CKK	ITU 1970 lists as: Vancouver	WWII Shelburne, NS HMCS Discovery Naval Reserve Division, Vancouver
CKL	ITU 1970 lists as: Prince Rupert	WWII possibly at Esquimalt Vancouver Radio (Matsqui) HMCS Chatham NRD, Prince Rupert
CKM
CKN	ITU 1970 lists as: Vancouver	HMCS Aldergrove (Vancouver Naval Radio) (xmtrs at Matsqui)
CKO		Broadcasting Station 1977 to 1989. Actually a chain with perhaps one transmitter with the basic CKO call sign. See the interesting Wiki article It is unknown how the company was able to get a three letter call sign!
CKP	ITU 1970 lists as: Prince Rupert	Prince Rupert Naval Radio
CKQ
CKR		WWII Mulgrave NS HMCS Naden (Fleet School) Training Radio
CKS	ITU 1970 lists as: St. John's	HMCS Avalon, St. John's.... not a NRD
CKT	ITU 1970 lists as: Coverdale	WWII Halifax HMCS Coverdale, Moncton. Supplementary Radio Stn. C/S assigned in approx 1953 , from CGT. CKT may also have been used at Aldergrove
CKU
CKV
CKW
CKX	Broadcasting stn Brandon, MB
CKZ	Broadcasting stn Winnipeg, MB	possibly Naval radio Esquimalt and Aldergrove. check
CY SERIES
CYA
CYB
CYC
CYD
CYE
CYF
CYG
CYH
CYI
CYJ
CYK
CYL
CYM
CYN
CYO
CYP
CYQ
CYR
CYS
CYT
CYU
CYV
CYW
CYX
CYY
CYZ
CZ SERIES
CZA
CZB		Ottawa Radio HMCS/CFS Bermuda, Supplementary Radio Stn, from 1963 until closed 1993
CZC	ITU 1970 lists as: St.. John's NF	WWII Saint John, NB HMCS Cabot NRD, St. John's, Nfld
CZD		WWII Charlottetown, PEI
CZE	ITU 1970 lists as: Saint John, NB	WWII Sydney, NS HMCS Brunswicker NRD, Saint John
CZF		Ottawa RAdio
CZG		Ottawa RAdio
CZH	ITU 1970 lists as: Quebec City	HMCS Montcalm NRD, Quebec City
CZI	ITU 1970 lists as: Montreal	WWII Sheet Hbr, NS HMCS Donnacona NRD, Montreal
CZJ	ITU 1970 lists as: Ottawa	WWII Quoddy, NS HMCS Carleton NRD, Ottawa
CZK
CZL	ITU 1970 lists as: Hamilton	HMCS Star NRD, Hamilton
CZM	ITU 1970 lists as: Kingston	WWII possibly at Alliford Bay, BC HMCS Cataraqui NRD, Kingston
CZN	ITU 1970 lists as: Toronto	WWII possibly at Bella Bella, BC post-war HMCS York NRD, Toronto
CZO
CZP	ITU 1970 lists as: Hamilton	WWII St. John's, Nfld HMCS Patriot Naval Reserve HQ, Hamilton
CZQ
CZR	ITU 1970 lists as: London	WWII Rimouski, Quebec post-war: HMCS Prevost, London, Ontario
CZS	ITU 1970 lists as: Yarmouth	WWII Bridgewater, NS post war: HMCS/CFS Shelburne Oceanographic Listening Stn.
CZT	ITU 1970 lists as: Windsor, ON	HMCS Hunter NRD, Windsor
CZU
CZV
CZW	ITU 1970 lists as: Halifax (RCAF)	post-war HMCS Cornwallis, Communications School, until closed in 1968.
CZX
CZY	ITU 1970 lists as: Port Arthur (Thunder Bay)	WWII possibly at Ucluelet, BC HMCS Griffon NRD Port Arthur, Ontario
CZZ	ITU 1970 lists as: Halifax	WWII possibly at Coal Harbour (Vancouver) post war: HMCS Scotian NRD
VA SERIES (allocated in 1912)
VAA	Ottawa Aeradio (Nav Canada)	Halifax (likely a naval stn in dockyard). Later (post WWI) became the Ottawa station for the Department of Transport -- most likely a headquarters station. Now apparently the Nav Canada aeradio station in Ottawa.
VAB		Point Gray Radio opens 1906/07 under call PGD, changed to VAB in 1913. US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as a station available for medical advice on LF.
VAC	Comox Radio and Traffic	Cape Lazo Radio opens 1908 under call sign SKD, changed in 1913 to VAC. US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as a station broadcasting navigational warnings on 500 kHz Name later changed to Comox Radio 2008: Comox CGR
VAD		1906/07 Pachena Point Radio opens with call KPD, changed in 1913 to VAD. Closes in 1920, but reopens in 1923 as a DF station. Closes in 1958. US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as a DF station and broadcasting navigational warnings on 500 kHz.
VAE	Tofino Radio and Traffic	1908 Estevan Pt Radio opens with call USD. Changed to VAE in 1913. US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as a station at Estevan broadcasting navigational warnings on 500 kHz Moved to Tofino (airport) moved to Amphitrite Point VAE is not currently listed in TAFL, see VAT
VAF	Alert Bay peripheral to Comox Radio (	1913 Alert Bay radio opens. US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as a station broadcasting navigational warnings on 500 kHz. (current in 2008) Cdn Coast Guard Continuous peripheral facility at Alert Bay, peripheral to Comox CGR
VAG		1910 Triangle Island Radio opens under call TLD, changed in 1913 to VAG. Closes in 1921 and call transferred to Bull Hbr Radio which opened that year. US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as a station broadcasting navigational warnings on 500 kHz. Bull Hbr consolidated with Alert Bay Radio in 80's
VAH	Sandspit. listed for 300 kHz only. CCG	Dead Tree Pt Radio opens 1910 under call DTD, changed in 1913 to VAH. US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as a station broadcasting navigational warnings on 500 kHz, still called Dead Tree Pt.
VAI	Vancouver Radio... vhf only... no cmb	Ikeda Head Radio opened in 1910 under call AKD, changed in 1913 to VAI. Closed in 1920. US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as a station at Point Gray, Vancouver, broadcasting navigational warnings on 500 kHz. HF SErvice
VAJ	Prince Rupert Radio. MF and HF only listed	1910 Prince Rupert radio opens US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as a station broadcasting navigational warnings on 500 kHz.
VAK	Sheringham Point Light Station	Gonzales Hill (Victoria) Radio opens 1906/07 under call VSD changed in 1913 to VAK. US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as a station broadcasting navigational warnings on 1630 kHz and 500 kHz moves to Gordon Head area, moves (70's?) to Sheringham Point., moves 1990's to Patricia Bay in an amalgamation with VAI. VAK call apparently remains at Sheringham Pt. Only frequency listed in TAFL is 143.36 lighthouse frequency)
VAL	INUKJUAK, QC aero freq only	1915 Barrington Passage NS opened (used cs TS at first). closed 1922 1928 Cape Harrison Radio opens
VAM		Cape St. James, BC Seen in a forgotten list. May still be the call if the light station is manned, but not seen in any recent list.
VAN		Glace Bay?? 1914 Newcastle, NB Radio opens Cape Beale, BC: US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as a station keeping watch on 500 kHz for distress signals.
VAO		Carmanah Pt, BC: US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as a station keeping watch on 500 kHz for distress signals.
VAP		1928 (Fort) (Port) Churchill Radio opens US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as a DF stn and also broadcasting navigation warnings on 500 kHz
VAQ		Banfield BC: US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as a station keeping watch on 500 kHz for distress signals.
VAR	Fundy Radio and Fundy Traffic	1919 Red Head DF station opens Saint John DF listed 1923 US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as a DF stn and stn broadcasting navigational warnings on 462 kHz 2008 Fundy CGR at Saint John
VAS	Vancouver Traffic	1914 Louisbourg, NS Radio opens US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this at Louisbourg and broadcasting ice reports on 107 kHz, and information to fishermen on 680 kHz. Otherwise CW only. First Narrows Signal Stn. Vancouver Hbr. This station was in the middle of Lions Gate Bridge, and was likely the first VTS station in Canada, monitoring the very busy traffic entering the harbour It has evolved to a wider ranging VTS station with a number of peripherals, to cover Vancouver Harbour and Howe Sound.
VAT	Amphitrite Point lists 4 marine vhf 6, 11, 14, 74	1923 St Paul Is NS stn opens DF still listed 1923
VAU	npiu	1924 Yarmouth Radio opens US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this at Yarmouth as a DF station and stn broadcasting navigational warnings on 417 kHz
VAV	KUUJJUARAPIK (Poste de la Baleine), QUE. aero only	Chebucto HD df stn opened ca1917 375 kHz Call letters became VCS in 1935.
VAW	KILLINEK (Resolution) N.W.T marine MF plus 2 aeroVHF	1918 Cape Sable DF station opens 1929 Resolution Island Radio opens US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as a DF stn at Resolution Island, also broadcasting navigational warnings on 500 kHz.
VAX	npiu	1918 Canso DF stn opens and still llisted 1923 US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as a DF stn and stn broadcasting navigational warnings on 435 kHz (current in 2008) Cdn Coast Guard Continuous peripheral facility at Canso, NS peripheral to Halifax CGR
VAY	npiu	1928 Cape Hopes Advance, Que Radio opens US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as a DF stn and broadcasting navigational warnings on 500 kHz.
VAZ	Seal cove BC 4 marine VHF 6, 11, 71, 16	1919 Cape Race DF station opens Cape Race DF listed 1923
VB SERIES (Note that VBN is used as a prefix ahead of two digits for lighthouses in the Great Lakes region, e.g. VBN28 was Flowerpot, Ontario.)
VBA	Lakehead (Thunder Bay)	1910 Pt Arthur Radio opens
VBB	Soo	1912 Sault Ste Marie Radio opens
VBC	Wiarton	1912 Midland Radio opens
VBD	-	1912 Tobermory Radio opens
VBE	Sarnia	1913 Point Edward Radio opens
VBF	Port Burwell	1914 Port Burwell Radio opens
VBG	Toronto	1914 Toronto Radio opens
VBH	Kingston	1914 Kingston Radio opens
VBI	-
VBJ
VBK	Trois Rivieres 70	1930 Coppermine NWT Radio opens (current in 2008) Cdn Coast Guard Continuous peripheral facility at Trois Rivieres, peripheral to Quebec CGR
VBL		Gannet Rock, NS: US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as a station keeping watch on 2284 kHz for distress signals. Lifesaving Station. 44 30 38 66 46 59
VBM		1913 The Pas, Manitoba Radio opens Little Wood Island: US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as a station keeping watch on 2284 kHz for distress signals. Lifesaving Station
VBN		1913 Port Nelson, Manitoba Radio opens Lennard Island, BC US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as a station keeping watch on 500 kHz for distress signals.
VBO		Tofino BC: US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as a station keeping watch on 500 kHz for distress signals.
VBP
VBQ		a radiotelephone station established by DOT in 1936 at Citadel Hill to serve voice traffic around Halifax and the Maritimes. Also provided CW service to VAA in Ottawa and to Sable Island VGF 1941 Operators and xmtr in the post office building, with receivers at Hartlen Pt. 1962 merged with the radiotelegraph VCS under the latter's call sign.
VBR		1918 Bird Rocks Radio opens Bird Rocks: US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as a station keeping watch on 545 kHz for distress signals. 47 50 20 61 08 43
VBS		current in 2008) Cdn Coast Guard Continuous peripheral facility at Newport, Quebec peripheral to Riviere-au-Renard CGR
VBT
VBU	ITU 1970 lists as: Les Escoumins
VBV
VBW
VBX
VBY
VBZ	ITU 1970 lists as: Chesterfield NWT	1928 Chesterfield Inlet Radio opens US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as a DF stn at Chesterfield Inlet and broadcasting navigational warnings on 500 kHz.
VC SERIES (allocated to Canada in 1912)
VCA	Charlottetown	1909 opens in Montreal with c/s MTL US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this in Montreal and as a station available to give medical advice.
VCB	Nottingham NWT 70	1909 opened at Three Rivers, Quebec with c/s MRS 1927 Nottingham I Radio opens US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as a DF stn at Nottingham Island and broadcasting navigational warnings on 500 kHz.
VCC	Qeubec	1905 opened at Quebec City, with c/s MQU US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as a stn broadcasting navigational warnings on 500 kHz
VCD	Riviere du Loup 70	Grosse Ile current in 2008) Cdn Coast Guard Continuous peripheral facility at Riviere du Loup, peripheral to Quebec CGR
VCE		opened at Cape Race NF with c/s MCE US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this at Cape Race, with a continuous radiobeacon on 310 kHz and DF service and broadcasting navigational warnings on 455 kHz.
VCF	Mont Joli	1906 opened at Father Pt, Quebec with c/s MRT US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as Father Pt. a stn broadcasting navigational warnings on 500 kHz 2008: Les Escoumins (Mont Joli) CGR
VCG	Fox River	1904 Fame Pt, Quebec Radio opened (original c/s MFP) US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as Fame Pt a stn broadcasting navigational warnings on 455 kHz
VCH		1905 opened at Pt Riche, NF with c/s MCH
VCI		1904 Heath Pt, Quebec, Radio opened (original c/s MHP)
VCJ		1905 opened at Whittle Rocks (Harrington), Quebec with c/s MWR 1927 Wakeham Bay Radio opens
VCK	Sept Iles	1906 opened at Clarke City (Sept Iles) with c/s MCK (Calks Pt??) US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as Clarke City, a stn broadcasting navigational warnings on 500 kHz (current in 2008) Cdn Coast Guard Continuous peripheral facility at Sept Iles, Quebec, peripheral to Les Escouminacs CGR
VCL		1904 opened at Pt Amour, Labrador with c/s MPR US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this at Point Amour 51 27 25 56 50 30 with a radiobeacon on 290 kHz and broadcasting navigational warnings on 500 kHz.
VCM	Belle Isle	1904 opened at Belle I. NF, with c/s MBI US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as a DF stn and broadcasting navigational warnings on 417 kHz.
VCN	Grindstone	1910 opens at Grindstone, Magdalen Is, with c/s MUD US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as a stn broadcasting navigational warnings on 500 kHz and listening for distress traffic on 545 kHz
VCO	Sydney	1907 opened at North Sydney, with c/s MND US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as a stn broadcasting navigational warnings on 500 kHz and ice reports on 441 kHz 2008: Sydney CGR
VCP	St Lawrence NF 70	1905 opened at Cape Bear, PEI, with c/s MBE
VCQ		1905 opened at Pictou, NS with c/s MUB
VCR	Clyde R NWT 70	1904 opened at Cape Ray, NF with c/s MCR
VCS	Halifax, NS	1905 opened at Camperdown, near Halifax with c/s MHX Camperdown (ex MHX) Marconi stn closed 1923 when govt stn VAV Chebucto Hd upgraded to a coast stn/DF stn. VCS c/s reactivated 1935 at Camperdown when VAV closed. US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as a DF stn and stn broadcasting navigational warnings on 400 kHz 1962: Station moved to Ketch Hbr, at the receiver site, and transmitter at Pennant. VBQ closed and combined with VCS
VCT	Tors Cove, NF	1905 opened on Sable Island, government station 1970 ITU 1970 lists it at Slate I, Ontario (unknown use and owner) Currently VCT is assigned to Canada's only high seas privately operated but publicly accessible coast station, operated by Stratos Wireless Inc. I believe this station serves the off-shore oil and gas industry, with frequencies throughout the HF spectrum. Other than the two broadcasters CKY and CKZ, this is the only non-federal government 3-letter call sign in Canada.
VCU		1905 opened at Cape Sable Island, NS with c/s MSB US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as a station at Merry Island, BC, broadcasting navigational warnings but only when very urgent, on 1630 kHz. This stn is believed to have opened in 1924.
VCV		1905 opened at Partridge I, near Saint John, NB with c/s MSJ
VCW
VCX
VCY	Michipicoten I 70
VCZ	Pt Menier, Que 70	US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as Ellis Bay, a stn broadcasting navigational warnings on 500 kHz
VD SERIES. This series was allocated to Canada in 1912. It was first used for ship call letters but when ships converted to 4-letters, the series has been used for Dept of Transport coast stations and military stations.
VDA		Niobe
VDB	CApe Race NF	Rainbow
VDC	Ottawa	Canada
VDD	Debert	Minto
VDE		Stanley
VDF		Lady Laurier
VDG		Aberdeen
VDH	Alert	Druid
VDI	St Johns	Earl Grey
VDJ	Belle Isle	Montcalm
VDK		Montmagny
VDL	Oshawa	Lady Grey
VDM		Quadra
VDN		Estevan
VDO		Dollard
VDP		Newington
VDQ	Cardinal, Ontario	Aranmore
VDR		Lurcher Lightship
VDS		Simcoe
VDT		Acadia
VDU		Malaspina
VDV		Galiano
VDW		Margaret
VDX		Lady Evelyn
VDY		Durley Chime
VDZ		Sheba
VE SERIES. Allocated to Canada in 1912. First assigned to ships (shown in italics below) and subsequently when ships converted to 4 letters reassigned for use by the Canadian Army. Almost the entire series was used for the northern system which was later transferred to the DOT, and most call letters reissued to other army stations. A few army stations in the north were retained.
VEA		*Dalhousie City* NWT & Yukon System: Dawson
VEB		*Corona* NWT & Yukon System: Mayo Landing
VEC		*Kingston* NWT & Yukon System: Fort Simpson
VED		*Toronto* NWT & Yukon System: Edmonton Edmonton still listed by ITU 1970
VEE		*Hazel Dollar* NWT & Yukon System: Snare River, NWT Goose Bay Canadian Army wartime station with MF and HF links throughout Quebec and Atlantic Canada
VEF		*Syracuse* NWT & Yukon System: Aklavik
VEG		*Rapids King* NWT & Yukon System: Fort Smith Camp Gagetown, NB listed by ITU 1970
VEH		*Chippewa* NWT & Yukon System: Fort Resolution
VEI		*Garden City* NWT & Yukon System: Fort Good Hope
VEJ		*Chicora*
VEK		*Macassa* NWT & Yukon System: Baker Lake St. John's Cdn Army wartime station with MF and HF links throughout Quebec and Atlantic Canada
VEL		*Cayuga* Winnipeg listed by ITU 1970
VEM		*Majestic* NWT & Yukon System: Yellowknife Yellowknife listed by ITU 1970
VEN	ITU 1970 lists as: Nanaimo, BC	*Turbine* NWT & Yukon System: Wrigley, YT Gander Cdn Army wartime station with MF and HF links throughout Quebec and Atlantic Canada
VEO		*Cascapedia* NWT & Yukon System: Hay River Lewisporte Cdn Army wartime station with MF and HF links throughout Quebec and Atlantic Canada
VEP		NWT & Yukon System: Embarrass, AB Botwood Cdn Army wartime station with MF and HF links throughout Quebec and Atlantic Canada
VEQ		NWT & Yukon System: Port Radium Gaspe Cdn Army wartime station with MF and HF links throughout Quebec and Atlantic Canada
VER	ITU 1970 lists as: Ottawa	NWT & Yukon System: Ottawa Ottawa Canadian Army wartime station with MF and HF links throughout Quebec and Atlantic Canada
VES		NWT & Yukon System: Fort McMurray, AB (current in 2008) Cdn Coast Guard peripheral facility at Grosses-Roches, Quebec (peripheral to Les Escoumins CGR)
VET		NWT & Yukon System: Fort Chipewyan, AB
VEU		NWT & Yukon System: Fort Reliance, NWT Sussex, NB Cdn Army wartime station with MF and HF links throughout Quebec and Atlantic Canada current in 2008) Cdn Coast Guard peripheral facility at Mont-Louis, Quebec (peripheral to Les Escoumins CGR)
VEV		NWT & Yukon System: Norman Wells Camp Valcartier, Quebec listed by ITU 1970
VEW		NWT & Yukon System: Fort Providence Wainwright Alberta listed by ITU 1970
VEX		NWT & Yukon System: Fort Norman Penhold, Alberta listed by ITU 1970
VEY		NWT & Yukon System: Whitehorse Whitehorse listed by ITU 1970
VEZ		NWT & Yukon System: Brochet, MB
VF SERIES Allocated to Canada in 1912. First assigned to ships, shown below in italics, which appear to be all or mostly west coast vessels. When ships went to 4-letter calls in the 20's, this series was mostly assigned to Department of Transport Aeradio stations, some of which were combination marine/aeradio stations. As an aside, most official aeradio stations in Canada have 3-letter, 1-digit calls that generally but not always correspond with the name of the location. For example VFL4 is or was in Lethbridge, VFT8 is Thompson, MB. Nav Canada inherited the aeradio stations and have generally kept the callsigns intact, but new ones do not seem to follow the old pattern.
VFA	ITU 1970 lists as: Inuvik (formerly at Aklavik)	*Princess Adelaide*
VFB		*Princess Mary*
VFC	ITU 1970 lists as: Cambridge Bay	*Princess Beatrice*
VFD	ITU 1970 lists as: Watson Lk, YT	*Princess Alice*
VFE	ITU 1970 lists as: Edmonton	*Princess Charlotte*
VFF	ITU 1970 lists as: Frobisher Bay	*Princess Victoria*
VFG	ITU 1970 lists as: Gander	*Princess Royal*
VFH	ITU 1970 lists as: Fort Nelson, BC	*Princess Mary*
VFI		*Princess Sophia*
VFJ	ITU 1970 lists as: Fort St John, BC	*Princess Ena*
VFK	ITU 1970 lists as: Schefferville, Quebec	*Tees*
VFL		*Prince Albert*
VFM		*Prince John*
VFN		*Morwena* 2008 Montreal CGR
VFO		*Bessie Dollar*
VFP	ITU 1970 lists as: Port Hardy, BC	*Barge Empire*
VFQ		*Alberta*
VFR	ITU 1970 lists as: Resolute, NWT	*Barge Providence*
VFS		*Boston*
VFT
VFU	ITU 1970 lists as: Coral Harbour, NWT	*Auilo* 1930 ca. Shediac Aeradio opens for communication with trans-Atlantic aircraft.
VFV		*Salvor*
VFW	ITU 1970 lists as: Whitehorse	*A W Perry*
VFX	ITU 1970 lists as: Moncton
VFY		*Lord Strathcona*
VFZ	ITU 1970 lists as: Goose Bay	*Camosun*
VG SERIES (allocated to Canada in 1912) (Note that VGZ is used as a prefix in front of two digits for lighthouses on the Pacific coast, e.g. Sisters Islets VGZ44)
VGA		US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as being Lurcher Lightship with a radiobeacon on 308 kHz and stn broadcasting navigational warnings on 500 kHz and watch kept on 500 kHz. 43 48 32 66 31 50
VGB		US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this at Cape Bauld, NF with a radiobeacon on 304 kHz
VGC		US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this at Quatsino Light Station (Kains Island), BC with a radiobeacon on 296 kHz
VGD		US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this at East Point with a radiobeacon on 310 kHz 46 27 12 61 58 00
VGE		US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this at Natashikwan Point Light Station 50 05 09 61 44 22 with a radiobeacon on 314 kHz.
VGF	ITU 1970 lists as: Sable Island, NS	US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this at Sable Island, with a radiobeacon on 296 kHz and that it transmits on 375 kHz 4 times daily to allow DF stations to check their equipment.
VGG		US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this at Heath Point, Anticosti Light Station, with a radiobeacon on 314 kHz
VGH		US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this at Western Head, Liverpool Bay, with a radiobeacon on 308 kHz.g
VGI
VGJ		US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this at Perroquet Islad Light Station with a radiobeacon on 300 kHz. 50 13 15 64 12 27
VGK		US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this at Dead Tree Pt, BC with a radiobeacon on 308 kHz and a watch kept on 500 kHz. 53 21 30 131 55 55
VGL
VGM		US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this at Low Point, Sydney with a radiobeacon on 286 kHz.
VGN		US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this at Triple Island with a radiobeacon on 308 kHz
VGO		US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as Halifax East Lightship #24 with a radiobeacon on 296 kHz 44 30 36 63 15 06
VGP		US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this ar Langara Island, BC with a radiobeacon on 308 kHz
VGQ		US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this at Pointe des Monts with a radiobeacon on 300 kHz. 49 19 01 67 23 08
VGR		US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this at Cape Ray, NF with a radiobeacon on 286 kHz. 47 37 02 59 18 20
VGS		US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this at St Paul Island with a radiobeacon on 286 kHz, and operating a direction finding service.
VGT		US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this at Race Rocks Light Station, with a radiobeacon on 296 kHz
VGU	ITU 1970 lists as: Cross Island, NS
VGV		US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this at Point Atkinson Light Station, West Vancouver with a radiobeacon on 296 kHz
VGW		US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this at West Point, Anticosti with a radiobeacon on 290 kHz.
VGX	ITU 1970 lists as: Sambro, NS	US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 list thiss as Sambro Bank Lightship with a radiobeacon on 296 kHz, and a broadcast to fishermen daily at 1200 and 1730 on 690 kHz.
VGY	ITU 1970 lists as: Seal Island, NS	US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this at Seal Island with a radiobeacon on 308 kHz and listens periodically on 500 kHz. 43 23 28 66 00 53
VGZ		US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this at Cape Whittle, Cormorant Rocks, Quebec with a radiobeacon on 314 kHz 50 09 47 60 03 44
VO SERIES. This series was allocated to Newfoundland and was inherited by Canada when the colony joined confederation. All three-letter call signs in this series are for Newfoundland stations, but not all Newfoundland stations have VO call signs. In the first assignments 3-letter calls were given to both coast and ship stations, but the ships later received 4-letter calls if they survived that long.
VOA		1904 opened at Battle Harbour, Labrador with c/s MBH
VOB		1904 opened at Venison Island, Labrador with c/s MVI
VOC		1906 opened at American Tickle, Labrador with c/s MAT
VOD		1904 opened at Domino, Labrador with c/s MDO
VOE		Grady
VOF		Smoky Tickle
VOG		Holton
VOH	ITU 1970 lists as: BAttle Hbr	Cape Harrison
VOI		Makkovik
VOJ	ITU 1970 lists as: Corner Brook	Fogo
VOK	ITU 1970 lists as: Cartwright	*Adventure* 2008: Labrador Coast Guard Radio (Goose Bay xmtr)
VOL		-
VOM		*Belleaventure*
VON	ITU 1970 lists as: St.John's	*Beothic* US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this as a DF stn at St John's and broadcasting navigational warnings on 500 kHz. 2008: St. John's CGR
VOO	ITU 1970 lists as: Comfort Cove	*Bonavenutre*
VOP		*Bruce*
VOQ	ITU 1970 lists as: Hopedale	*Invermore*
VOR		*Kyle*
VOS		*Lintros*
VOT		*Nascopie*
VOU		*Eagle*
VOV	ITU 1970 lists as: Bonavista	-
VOW		*Newfoundland*
VOX		*Neptune* US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this at Twillingate (Long Point) with a radiobeacon on 304 kHz.
VOY		-
VOZ		-US Navy Radio Navigational Aids 1943 lists this at Port Basque Light Station with a radiobeacon on 313 kHz, with a note that it is operated only to assist vessels using Port Basque and the business of the Newfoundland Railway.
VX SERIES
VXA	ITU 1970 lists as: Edmonton
VXB	ITU 1970 lists as: Torbay
VXC
VXD	ITU 1970 lists as: Sandspit
VXE
VXF
VXG	ITU 1970 lists as: Prince George
VXH
VXI
VXJ	ITU 1970 lists as: Downsview
VXK
VXL
VXM
VXN
VXO
VXP
VXQ	ITU 1970 lists as: Ottawa
VXR		Sambro Lightship (see also VGX)
VXS
VXT	ITU 1970 lists as: Sea Island (Vancouver), BC
VXU
VXV
VXW
VXX
VXY
VXZ
VY SERIES
VYA
VYB	ITU 1970 lists as: Goose Bay
VYC
VYD
VYE
VYF
VYG
VYH
VYI
VYJ
VYK	ITU 1970 lists as: Resolute
VYL
VYM
VYN
VYO
VYP
VYQ
VYR
VYS
VYT
VYU
VYV
VYW
VYX
VYY
VYZ

Royal George
Royal Edward
Keewatin
Hamonic
Huronic
SAronic
Athabasca
Manitoba
Assiniboia
Prince Arthur
Prince George
St Ignace
no M

Chelohsin
no O
halifax
Everett G Griggs
douglas H Thomas
Princess Maquinna
no U
Seal

Noronic
Venture

Yarmouth
Princess Patricia