UK govt says iTrip street legal... almost

Draft regs posted, should by okayed by December

By Tony Smith • Get more from this author

6th October 2006 15:30 GMT

UK wireless watchdog Ofcom has published draft regulations that, when added to local law, allow iTrip owners to use their compact FM transmitters legally in this country.

Ofcom said hopes to have the new regulations, which will be implemented as a series of additions to the Wireless Telegraphy Exemption Regulations of 2003, in force early December. First, it has to provide a four-week consultation period to allow stakeholders and others to comment on the proposed regulations.

What the regulations won't do, of course, is ensure a quiet part of the FM band to which such devices may be tuned. In the UK's crowded spectrum, particularly in metropolitan areas, it can be hard to find an interference-free wavelength to transmit on.

Ah well, maybe it's back to the cassette adaptor after all... ®