Low-power FM transmitters used to connect MP3 players will soon be legal in the UK

Ofcom to legalise low-power FM transmitters

Short range broadcasts allowed for MP3 players

Written by Carl Taylor

vnunet.com, 14 Jul 2006

Ofcom plans to legalise the use of low-power FM transmitters used to connect MP3 players to entertainment equipment.

Devices like Griffin Technology's iTrip transmitter, which are legal in the US, work by broadcasting the output of an MP3 player over the FM band to a nearby receiver such as a car radio.

Under current legislation it is legal to sell the devices in the UK, but they cannot be used without a radio broadcasting licence.

Ofcom said in a statement: "Low-power FM radio transmitters for MP3 players are currently unauthorised for use in the UK and Europe because of the potential to cause interference to broadcast services.

"Ofcom is responding to growing consumer demand for the use of these devices and has led negotiations in Europe to develop a harmonised approach to their use by late autumn 2006."

The communications watchdog was criticised earlier this year by Kensington, which makes accessories for Apple's iPod music player, for dragging its heels in approving the devices.