Ofcom outlines future wireless vision

Ofcom believes that 'lifesaving sensors' could send medical data to home hubs and mobile phones

Ofcom has outlined a wide range of advances and innovations for wireless devices over the next 10 to 20 years, including "in-body networks" to help doctors monitor patients.

The regulator's Tomorrow's Wireless World report portrays a future where monitors automatically check pulse readings and blood pressure levels, and RFID tags help people with allergies to choose the right foods.

These "lifesaving sensors" could send medical data to home hubs and mobile phones using short-range wireless technologies including Bluetooth.

The report also predicts the arrival of intelligent collision detection in cars that automatically alerts emergency services in the event of a crash. Ofcom said that this kind of in-car technology could be with us as soon as 2015.

However, while radio spectrum is already available for Wi-Fi and RFID, the regulator warned that more spectrum will needed for such breakthroughs in healthcare and transport to become a reality.

"We do not expect to see any new or completely different technology in the next 10 years," said Professor William Webb, Ofcom's head of research and development.

"Instead, existing technologies will be brought together to have real benefit to society. It will mean there is a need for more radio spectrum for healthcare and transport."

Webb also warned that upcoming in-car technology could see car manufacturers being held responsible for accidents.

"There are issues around liability which could cause some hiccups. There will be test cases where manufacturers are held responsible," he said.