Ofcom makes changes to licence exemption regulations for short range devices

5 May 2021 10:09 AM

Ofcom recently confirmed changes to licence-exemption regulations for short range devices (SRDs).

SRDs include devices such as Wi-Fi routers, smart meters and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

Non-specific SRDs and SRD Data Networks in 870 to 874.4 MHz band: Ofcom are making 4.4 MHz of continuous spectrum available by aligning the technical parameters and authorisation regime across the 870 to 874.4 MHz band.
Going from licence-exempt to licenced - Higher power wideband data transmission systems (WBDTS) in the 57 to 71 GHz band: From 20 May 2021, Ofcom require new use of these higher power systems to be licensed rather than licence exempt in order to ensure compliance with our electromagnetic fields (EMF) usage conditions. For already deployed equipment operators of the equipment will have until 30 November 2021 to obtain a licence.
Wi-Fi & other Radio Local Area Network (RLAN) Technologies: Ofcom are allocating an extra 500 MHz of spectrum from 5925 to 6425 MHz for Wi-Fi and RLAN devices and removing the Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) requirements in the 5.8 GHz band (5725 to 5850 MHz).
European Union Decision on SRDs: Ofcom will align the technical conditions for some SRDs with those set out in the European Commission Decision 2019/1345. The Decision harmonised the technical parameters for certain categories of SRD applications across several frequency bands. Ofcom believe this change supports an international market for equipment which could help provide more choice and lower costs to UK citizens and consumers.