11 May 2017

Ofcom report on compatibility of 4G mobile and assistive listening devices

11 May 2017

Ofcom, the regulator for the UK’s communications industries, refers to hearing aids, radio aids and sound processors for cochlear implants as assistive listening devices (ALDs).

Prior to auctioning new a 2.3 GHz band for 4G mobile, Ofcom was asked by the British and Irish Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association (BIHIMA) to ensure that this would not have an adverse impact on ALDs which work within the 2.4 GHz band.

Ofcom has now published findings from its study and finds that ALDs are robust in the presence of 4G mobile devices operating within the 2.3 GHz spectrum. Ofcom therefore believes that the award of the 2.3 GHz spectrum will not lead to any significant issues for ALD users. The full report can be read here.