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14/01/2005
Ofcom reveals proposals for Ultra Wideband services
Ofcom has released a report detailing its proposed policy regarding the use of Ultra Wideband (UWB) devices in the UK.
The UK regulator stated that it was seeking views on whether the devices should be allowed and also which technical restrictions would help prevent the risk of interference to other wireless services.
UWB devices can transmit signals simultaneously over a wide range of frequencies, which makes them capable of a far higher data transfer rate, than other devices using similar wireless technology. These devices could be used to deliver wireless connections between DVD players, displays and speakers or provide a high speed wireless link between digital cameras and computers .
UWB technology is already in use in the UK under license, being used, for example, to allow engineers to probe runways and other surfaces for faults and help firefighters detect people through walls.
However, there are risks involved with the use of UWB. Third generation mobile phones, wireless broadband and radio astronomy could all be affected by harmful interference.
Ofcom would like to allow UWB to be used in the UK on a license-exempt basis, but the regulator has admitted that the potential for interference and the likely level of such interference needs to be "weighed carefully" against the potential benefits of UWB.
However, an independent economic study by Mason Communication and DotEcon, has estimated that the UK would receive "significant economic benefits" from the use of UWB in the economy.
The study also proposed a technical 'mask' – a set of requirements that all UWB devices would have to comply with – which Ofcom believes would significantly reduce the risk of interference.
Ofcome intends to gather opinion on its proposed approach to UWB, so that it can provide input to the European Commission, when it begins to consider initial work on adopting UWB technology across Europe in April.
The closing date for responses to Ofcom's proposals is March 24, 2005. The consultation document and the Mason/DotEcon information can be found at www.ofcom.org.uk
(KMcA/SP)
The UK regulator stated that it was seeking views on whether the devices should be allowed and also which technical restrictions would help prevent the risk of interference to other wireless services.
UWB devices can transmit signals simultaneously over a wide range of frequencies, which makes them capable of a far higher data transfer rate, than other devices using similar wireless technology. These devices could be used to deliver wireless connections between DVD players, displays and speakers or provide a high speed wireless link between digital cameras and computers .
UWB technology is already in use in the UK under license, being used, for example, to allow engineers to probe runways and other surfaces for faults and help firefighters detect people through walls.
However, there are risks involved with the use of UWB. Third generation mobile phones, wireless broadband and radio astronomy could all be affected by harmful interference.
Ofcom would like to allow UWB to be used in the UK on a license-exempt basis, but the regulator has admitted that the potential for interference and the likely level of such interference needs to be "weighed carefully" against the potential benefits of UWB.
However, an independent economic study by Mason Communication and DotEcon, has estimated that the UK would receive "significant economic benefits" from the use of UWB in the economy.
The study also proposed a technical 'mask' – a set of requirements that all UWB devices would have to comply with – which Ofcom believes would significantly reduce the risk of interference.
Ofcome intends to gather opinion on its proposed approach to UWB, so that it can provide input to the European Commission, when it begins to consider initial work on adopting UWB technology across Europe in April.
The closing date for responses to Ofcom's proposals is March 24, 2005. The consultation document and the Mason/DotEcon information can be found at www.ofcom.org.uk
(KMcA/SP)
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