Ofcom has announced plans that it says will ensure the UK plays a leading role in developing the Internet of Things. As part of its plan, Ofcom wants to create a regulatory environment which fosters investment and innovation in the IoT sector.
According to Ofcom, there are already more than 40million devices connected via the IoT in the UK; a figures forecast to grow by more than eight times by 2022.
Acting chief executive Steve Unger, pictured, said: "The IoT will bring benefits to a range of sectors and could change the way we live our lives. As a result of this growth, we have listened closely to industry and want to develop a framework for this technology to evolve in a way which will ultimately benefit citizens and consumers."
Ofcom's plan is to ensure the UK has the tools and infrastructure to allow the IoT to develop unhindered. The plans require Ofcom to work closely with government, other regulators and industry to remove any unnecessary barriers to the IoT's development, while building a regulatory environment which fosters innovation and ensures issues, such as data protection, are addressed.
The regulator has identified four areas, following consultations in 2014.
Spectrum availability: Ofcom's analysis has shown that, whilst much of the IoT's short to medium term spectrum demands are met with current initiatives, it will need to continue to monitor the IoT's spectrum requirements to help identify when additional spectrum may be needed.
Data privacy: Whilst much data is protected by legislation such as the Data Protection Act 1998, Ofcom will work with the Information Commissioner's Office, government, other regulators and industry to explore solutions to data privacy issues.
Network security and resilience: Ofcom will investigate how its existing activities on security and resilience of the UK's communications networks can include the IoT.
Network addressing: Ofcom will continue to monitor the progress being made by internet service providers in supporting IPv6 connectivity.
Author
Graham Pitcher
Source: www.newelectronics.co.uk