Ofcom kills off UWB licences

From Monday, UK users wishing to wirelessly connect digital devices through ultra-wideband (UWB) technology will no longer need a licence as Ofcom is scrapping the mandatory requirement.

Although the move is a positive step forward as it should enable devices and services to converge without wires, the UK is trailing its peers in Japan and the US on UWB licensing, as both those countries already have active exemption plans in place.

Other EU members are expected to unveil their legislations regarding the removal licences for UWB equipment - which operates in bands between 3.1 to 10.6 GHz - in the next few months.

The communications watchdog announced the change in the law this week, signaling the introduction of the The Wireless Telegraphy (Ultra-Wideband Equipment) (Exemption) Regulations 2007, which means that UWB-fans can transfer up to 2Gbs of data over short distances, and do so licence-free.

"Radio spectrum is an essential raw material in the development of converged communications services," said Ed Richards, Ofcom's chief executive. "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."

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