Ofcom gives green light to Wireless USB

Ofcom gives green light to Wireless USB

www.connected-home-news.com | August 9, 2007

Ofcom, the UK regulator for the communication industry, has changed its regulations to ensure that short-range wireless USB devices can be used in more consumer devices, in line with the USA and Japan.

Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, which enables the wireless transfer of up to 2 Gbps of data over short distances, is expected to be certified Wireless USB, enabling peripherals to be connected to a PC without cables and allowing the devices to be made and used without a licence. Ofcom is expected to introduce the Wireless Telegraphy (Ultra-Wideband Equipment) (Exemption) Regulations 2007 on August 13 of this year.

“Radio spectrum is an essential raw material in the development of converged communications services,” commented Ofcom’s chief executive, Ed Richards. “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 move is expected to mean the arrival of a raft of Certified Wireless USB devices in the UK, with router, camera and printers manufacturers among those keen to use the technology in their products.