UK communications regulator Ofcom passed a milestone in enabling wireless connectivity around the home on Thursday.

The regulator scrapped the requirement to hold a licence to operate equipment using approved Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology. UWB allows the transfer of large amounts of data – up to 2Gbps – over distances of around 30 metres.

The opening up of spectrum will come into effect on August 13 and should pave the way for the technology pitched to enable wireless connectivity between digital devices in the home.

It is anticipated UWB could be used to connect personal computers, DVD players, portable music players and digital cameras without the need for wires.

According to Ofcom, research has shown that devices that transfer data using UWB equipment use low power technologies which can enhance battery life compared with other wireless technologies.

UWB equipment is already exempt from the need to hold a licence in the US and Japan, and technology companies have started to develop and sell UWB products – such as UWB home hubs – for these markets.