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The volte-face over devices such as the iPod-compatible iTrip follows a six-week investigation of whether such simple and low cost devices, widely used in other countries, could be used in the UK without interfering with 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 regulator said in a statement.

Ofcom

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has also proposed the deregulation of CB radio, allowing around 20,000 licensees to use short range transmitters for hobby and leisure purposes without the administrative and cost burden of an Ofcom licence.

It notes that the deregulation of Citizens' Band services could support the growth of Community Audio Distribution Systems (CADs), simple and inexpensive wireless public address systems which are used to transmit local community services and are currently being trialled in Yorkshire and Northern Ireland.

The regulator has also proposed that more spectrum be made available to meet the demand for other low-power devices such as hearing aids, alarms systems, tracking and tracing systems and meter reading devices. Under the proposals these will be able to operate in the 169.4 -169.8125MHz band.

The deadline for responses to the proposals is 22 September 2006. For more information see the Wireless Telegraphy Licence Exemption Consultation document.