UK wireless networks 'flout the law'

Britain is awash with 5.8GHz networks that aren't complying with Ofcom regulations, warn experts. But is the regulator relying on wireless operators to turn each other in? Companies and organisations across Britain are breaking the law by running high-speed wireless networks that don't comply with spectrum restrictions, a wireless expert warned on Tuesday. These networks are running at 5.8GHz without the safeguards introduced by Ofcom when the band was opened up, according to Paul Munnery, managing director of Wireless CNP, which designs and installs wireless networks.

When Ofcom made the 5.8GHz band available to use under a "light-licensing" regime in December 2003, it ruled that network equipment had to include dynamic frequency selection (DFS) technology to minimise interference with military radar, because the Ministry of Defence already used the band, and transmit power control (TPC) to ensure that a network transmitted at the lowest power level possible.

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