EC opening doors for ultra wideband

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Europe is set to adopt a standard for ultra wideband (UWB) wireless devices within six months, following a decision by the European Commission (EC).

The EC said the 27 EU member countries must bring their own UWB regulations inline with the regulations by August, thereby creating a single market for UWB devices.

UWB transmits over broad ranges of the radio spectrum, allowing for data to be sent at comparable speeds to cable. Useful for short-range, it can be used to wirelessly connect monitors, printers and external storage to PCs, for example.

Because the spectrum is used by mobile operators, the aviation industry and others, keeping a lower transmission ensures that interference is avoided. According to the decision, the available frequencies will be fewer than the US, so devices will need to be tailored specifically for the European market.

EU Telecoms and Media Commissioner Viviane Reding said in a statement: "To benefit our citizens, it is important that we establish a functioning single market for these devices in the European Union. By adopting a harmonising decision today, the Commission allows innovators to use this new technology throughout the EU, while ensuring no interference takes place with other wireless users."

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