UK telecom regulator Ofcom today said it wants to create a regulatory environment to support the emerging Internet of Things (IoT) segment.

The new development stems the fact that UK has more than 40 million devices connected via the IoT. This is forecast to grow more than 8-fold by 2022, with devices carrying out more than a billion daily data transactions.

IoT services can cover industries from agriculture and energy to transport, healthcare and much more.

Recently, Ofcom said it would consult with the telecom operators and the related eco-system to draft 5G technology guidelines.

Ofcom today said its analysis has shown much of the IoT’s short to medium-term spectrum demands are met with current initiatives. Ofcom will monitor the IoT’s spectrum needs to identify additional spectrum needed.

This apart, Ofcom will work with Information Commissioner’s Office, government, other regulators and industry to explore solutions to data privacy issues in the IoT.

The telecom regulator will also investigate how its activities on security and resilience of the UK’s communications networks can include the IoT.

Ofcom will continue to monitor the progress already being made by internet service providers in supporting IPv6 connectivity.

It is expected that globally up to 50 billion smart devices, ranging from cars and parking meters to coffee machines and combine harvesters could be connected to the internet by 2020, each using tiny slivers of spectrum to get online.

Ofcom will ensure that UK has the tools and infrastructure to allow the IoT to develop unhindered. To support this, Ofcom has already released spectrum for machine to machine uses – making the UK among the first countries in Europe to do so.

“The Internet of Things will bring benefits to a range of sectors and could change the way we live our lives,” said Steve Unger, Acting Ofcom Chief Executive.

Baburajan K
[email protected]