James Delahunty
26 Nov 2006 16:17
The communications regulator in the UK, Ofcom, is legalizing the use of low power FM transmitters that are designed to make digital music on an iPod or other MP3 player playable through a car radio. While these small devices have been widely available, their use in the UK has been illegal due to the Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1949. However, the "ban" has not been lifted on all of the available devices.
Under the Wireless Telegraphy Act, the use of radio transmission equipment without a license or an exemption is forbidden. This made popular devices such as Griffin's "iTrip" illegal because of their possible ability to interfere with broadcast from legal radio stations.
Some of these FM transmitter devices, which can be tuned to spare frequencies, will become legal from December 8th. Ofcom will also remove the need for a license to use Citizens' Band radio. All approved transmitters will carry a CE mark indicating approval for sale in the European Union.
Source:
BBC News