Brits Still Waiting for Wireless USB Hubs

Certified Wireless USB hubs are starting to appear in retail shelves, yet they will remain in North America for the first few months until manufacturers like Belkin and IOGear tweak their chipsets to comply with local ultra-wideband (UWB) spectrum requirement.

In the US, the UWB runs on 3.1 to 10Ghz while in the UK OEMs are still waiting for the official green-light from Ofcom - the equivalent of US FCC - before deciding what needs to be modified for this European market.

There are also some conflicting opinions on the deregulated spectrum range as well. Belkin's UK sales director said Ofcom only ratified from 4.2 to 4.8Ghz whereas Tech.co.uk's WUSB expert claimed 1.6Ghz to 10Ghz. That particular part of the spectrum between 4.2 to 4.8 has been approved for higher emissions until 2010 when manufacturing will require lower outputs. Whichever side is right, the Brits will need to hang on for another three months before WUSB hubs make way into UK stores.