Ofcom unveils Olympic wireless plans

Ofcom will need to manage radio spectrum

UK communications regulator Ofcom has published proposals on how it intends to manage wireless services and provide sufficient radio spectrum during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Ofcom's Draft Spectrum Plan shows how radio spectrum will be licensed and used during the events, and is inviting responses to the consultation document until 5 August 2009. The growing number of wireless devices means the watchdog needs to ensure a well-planned approach to the Games.

Ofcom said it does not anticipate revoking or varying existing spectrum licences to meet the requirements of the London Games, but said that if the spectrum assessment changes, it "may be required to do so".

The regulator said some of the spectrum demand will be met by public sector organisations such as the Ministry of Defence, the Civil Aviation Authority, and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

As well as the main Olympic site, Ofcom has also assessed five football venues in the UK, and the sailing events at Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour. The three main wireless services needing to be managed are private mobile radio, wireless microphones and wireless cameras.

Ofcom intends to publish a statement on its wireless management plans by the end of 2009, and anticipates, "it will be subject to ongoing refinement in the run-up to the Games themselves." Ofcom is also planning the spectrum requirements for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.