EU Unifies Rules On Wireless Frequencies Across Europe
BRUSSELS -(Dow Jones)- Radio frequencies for wireless devices ranging from garage door openers to baby monitors will be harmonized across Europe as soon as spring next year, the European Commission said Thursday.
The move should lower consumer prices and boost production, it said.
Under the new rules, consumers will no longer need to worry whether a wireless product bought in one country will work in another, or whether it will disrupt other wireless communications.
The move will also harmonize radio frequency identification devices such as electronic tags used by businesses to track goods and for security.
Since manufacturers will need to produce only one device for 25 countries, they should see their production costs reduced and be encouraged to develop new innovative products and applications, the commission added.
A recent commission study estimated the value of the market for these devices should reach EUR25 billion by 2009.
-By Peppi Kiviniemi, Dow Jones Newswires; 44 20 7842 9496; peppi.kiviniemi@dowjones.com
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Posted to the site on 14th December 2006