Decision to make the Wireless Telegraphy (Ultra-Wideband Equipment) (Exemption) (Amendment) Regulations 2018

This statement relates to Ofcom’s decision to make new regulations by statutory instrument that would amend the existing Wireless Telegraphy licence exemption criteria for Ultra Wideband (UWB) devices.

UWB devices use very large bandwidth and can transmit high data rates over short distances, but transmit at very low power levels so do not interfere with other devices. UWB uses include wireless multi-media applications, such as streaming videos and connecting cameras to TVs, as well as radar and detection devices which can be used to sense objects behind walls.

These regulations would implement a recent decision by the European Commission on UWB devices, and they will amend UWB exemption regulations we made in 2015.

The Regulations will come into force on 6 February 2018.