Ofcom will make more of the radio spectrum available for use by
radio frequency identification technology on a licence-exempt
basis.
RFID is already in use in some industries, but IT suppliers
believe extended use of the technology and integration with
enterprise resource planning could increase supply chain
efficiency.
Ofcom said extending the frequencies available without the need
for a licence could lead to greater take-up of RFID and eventually
drive lower costs to consumers. "RFID can also be used to store
owner information on personal items in an effort to discourage
theft," the regulator said. "Commercial organisations have
emphasised the value RFID would bring to asset management and other
areas of the business."
Ofcom will make the 865MHz-868MHz spectrum range available, and
exempt RFID equipment from Wireless Telephony Act licensing on the
basis that it is unlikely to cause interference to other users of
the radio spectrum.
This should be welcome news to Tesco, a leading user of RFID. In
June, Simon Palinkas, Tesco programme manager responsible for the
retailer’s RFID roll-out, said performance of RFID was held back by
regulation. He said EU regulations regarding the use of the 865MHz
to 868MHz radio spectrum had hit Tesco's progress with the
technology.