Ofcom to review ban on FM transmitters

Ofcom is to review a 57-year-old law that makes FM transmitter gadgets for MP3 players illegal to use.

The review comes after criticism from the Liberal Democrat Shadow Culture, Media and Sport Secretary, Don Foster MP.

The gadgets broadcast the audio from MP3 players using a low-power transmitter so that it can be picked up by an ordinary radio. According to the Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1949, it is illegal to use a transmitter without a licence.

Foster pointed out that such devices have been used in the US for some time without causing disruption to radio broadcasts.

Ofcom responded by saying it is working with other regulators to set a Europe-wide standard for these devices. It confirmed  maximum £5,000 fine for either selling or using an illegal device.

Thus far, however, no one has been prosecuted for using such a device. The investigation team is prioritising activities that could potentially endanger life, such as pirate radio stations that interfere with emergency services, for example.

A representative for online retailer eoutlet.co.uk said all FM transmitter products it sells are all CE marked and so are legal. He admitted that it is not legal to use such products in the UK but said all the products are clearly marked to that effect.

Ofcom confirmed that as long as the device is CE marked, it is legal to sell the device regardless of whether it can be used.