The iTrip, a popular attachment for Apple's iPod, cannot be
used, sold or distributed within the UK. The device transmits songs
over FM radio from the iPod to a radio receiver but under UK law,
it constitutes a mini-pirate radio station.
The iTrip, according to its own advertising, is the "coolest
iPod accessory in the world. The iTrip FM transmitter for the iPod
can play your music through any FM radio in your car, at a party,
wherever the mood strikes you - and you have a radio."
The iPod has given a new lease of life to personal music
players, with its high capacity - yet physically tiny - hard drive
that can store thousands of songs downloaded from a PC. The iTrip
adds to the attraction.
Unfortunately, in the UK, the FM radio frequencies are licensed,
with license holders having total and unique rights to use the
bandwidth that they have licensed. As there are no frequencies
unlicensed at present then the iTrip cannot legally broadcast
within the UK.
Griffin Technology, the iTrip's manufacturer, and AM Micro
Distribution, the distributor of the product, sought legal advice
on how the iTrip could be brought into the UK. They have now
announced that the product falls foul of the Wireless Telegraphy
Act of 1949, which forbids the installation or use of radio
equipment in the UK without licence.
Consequently, the sale or distribution of the iTrip within the
UK is prohibited.
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