Ofcom Proposes Legalisation Of Wireless MP3 Transmitters

The use of low power FM transmitters which are used to wirelessly connect MP3 players and other personal audio devices to radios and in-car entertainment systems could be legalised following proposals from Ofcom.

The devices, such as the iTrip, are legal in other countries and allow users to listen to music transmitted from an MP3 player or similar device to radios in the home or on the move.

Low power FM transmitters are currently unauthorised for use in the UK and Europe because of the potential to cause interference to broadcast services.

Ofcom says that it is responding to increasing consumer demand for these devices and has “led negotiations in Europe to develop a harmonised approach to their use by late autumn 2006”.

Ofcom has also announced a proposal to deregulate Citizens’ Band (CB) services, allowing around 20,000 licensees to use short range transmitters for hobby and leisure purposes without having to bear the administration and cost burden of an Ofcom licence.

Ofcom: 020 7981 3040 www.ofcom.org.uk