UK regulatory office Ofcom has announced that the use of low power FM transmitters which wirelessly connect MP3 players and other personal audio devices to radios and in-car entertainment systems will be legal for use in the UK starting December 8, 2006.

FM transmitters that will be legal to use in the UK will carry a CE mark indicating approval for sale in the European Union. Their use will be legalised under the Wireless Telegraphy Regulations 2006. The regulations set out the technical specifications for FM transmitters.

The regulations will also remove the need for a Citizens’ Band radio licence, reducing the administrative and cost burden for around 20,000 licensees using these short-range transmitters.

The regulations also make more spectrum available to meet consumer demand for other low power devices such as hearing aids, alarms systems, tracking and tracing systems and meter reading devices operating in the 169.4 -169.8125 MHz band.

Details are available at the Ofcom site:

• The full Statement
• The Wireless Telegraphy (Exemption) (Amendment) Regulations 2006
• Updated information on CB Radio use