Ofcom has decided to increase the maximum allowed power for 3G base stations in the UK. It's a move that was first proposed in February, when Vodafone asked to use higher-powered equipment following trials in Germany.
In a statement, Ofcom says the move has the potential to improve voice capacity, data throughput and in-building signal availability by making more effective use of currently available base station technology. The maximum in-band power limit for the five existing 3G licences and future 2GHz MSS/CGC licences would be increased to 65 dBm e.i.r.p. per carrier from the current level of 62 dBm e.i.r.p. per carrier, effectively doubling the base transmission power. However, Ofcom points out this still remains within international safety limits.