Ofcom proposes end of FM transmitter ban

Ofcom is expected to recommend ending the ban on low-power FM transmitters, commonly used with media players such as the iTrip gadget for the iPod.

The communications regulator is starting a 10 week consultation period, during which it will look for opinions from the manufacturers of these devices and consumers.

The telecoms regulator agreed to review the law after lobbying by the Liberal Democrat Shadow Culture, Media and Sport Secretary, Don Foster MP.

FM transmitters - such as the iTrip - are widely used to send music wirelessly from gadgets such as iPods to devices such as car stereos or radios.

They are freely available to buy, despite the fact that it is illegal to use them under the  Wireless and Telegraphy Act of 1949. This act makes it an offence to transmit over the FM band without a licence.

A spokesperson for Ofcom told Computeractive that they expect to recommend changing the law but must go through the consultation period first.

Ofcom hopes to have a European-wide agreement on the use of these devices by the end of the autumn. Five European countries - Germany, Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Estonia - have already legalised these devices.

Earlier this year, Ofcom admitted that there had been no prosecutions under the 57-year-old law. Although there is a team dedicated to its enforcement, its priority is investigating pirate radio transmissions that interfere with the emergency services.

Anyone wishing to send their opinion to Ofcom can do so using an online form on the organisation's website.