Ofcom drops licence requirement for new wireless technology

Broadband connections could be shared wirelessly around homes and offices at speeds of up to two gigabits a second after Ofcom loosened regulations.

The communications industry regulator had been examining the ultra-wideband (UWB) technology with a view to restricting use of the device to protect radio transmission quality if it was found to have too high a radio wave output.

But the low power of the equipment meant Ofcom has said no licence will be needed and so UWB is set to become widely available thanks to the regulations which will be confirmed on August 13th.

Ofcom's chief executive Ed Richards said: "Where possible, we want to remove restrictions on the use of spectrum to allow the market to develop new and innovative services, such as UWB, for the benefit of consumers."

The technology has proven popular in America and Japan, where it is often used to share broadband connections but has also been used to link up devices ranging from mp3 players, digital cameras, DVD players and PCs.

In addition, the speed of UWB means manufacturers have seen applications for the technology in the world outside of the home.

Current developments include cars fitted with UWB sensors to help prevent accidents occurring, as well as military uses such as headsets with live, electronic maps of the battlefield and guns that can shoot around corners using radio-controlled bullets.

Posted on: 2007-08-10, in: Broadband

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