Ofcom prepares for record London 2012 spectrum demand

Ofcom has said that it will borrow spectrum from public sector bodies and tap into freed-up capacity from the digital TV switchover as it prepares for "record spectrum demand" at the London 2012 Games.

During the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Ofcom estimates that demand for spectrum will more than double as the world's media descends on the capital to beam the events to a global audience of more than 4 billion viewers.

Around 26,000 media professionals will base themselves in London to cover the Games, making the 2012 Olympics the "biggest media event in history".

They will use a variety of wireless technology, including close-up cameras and microphones, for coverage of stars such as Usain Bolt, Jessica Ennis and Mo Farah.

However, that will mean Ofcom must assign up to 20,000 wireless frequencies for use by the media, more than double the number usually assigned in an entire year.

Spectrum within London is already at full capacity, but Ofcom has put forward a number of ways to secure additional spectrum.

This includes borrowing spectrum on a short-term basis from public sector bodies, such as the Ministry of Defence, as well as maximising civil spectrum by accessing unused frequencies, such as those freed up by London's switch from analogue to digital TV signals this spring.

To test out these methods, Ofcom has run a series of pilot events, including around the royal wedding last April, the Formula One Grand Prix at Silverstone and the Sail for Gold event at Weymouth. Ofcom will also manage the spectrum during the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, taking place between June 2 and 5.

As there is only a limited supply of spectrum, Ofcom said that it is important to ensure interference is minimised. It has therefore built a "state-of-the-art spectrum assignment system that will carefully manage access to spectrum, keeping it both free for those who need it and free of interference".

A modern sensor network has also been built across the UK to identify any interference issues before they arise, and Ofcom will employ an "especially large" team of radio engineers to monitor potential instances of interference.

Ofcom's chief operating officer Jill Ainscough said: "The UK's airwaves are already among the most intensively used in the world. The London 2012 Games will significantly increase demand.

"Ready and prepared for this challenge, Ofcom recognises that there is no room for complacency. We are working behind the scenes to make this capacity available, to ensure that this demand is met."

Earlier in the month, the BBC admitted that its extensive planned coverage of the London Olympics could result in some editions of the 6pm and 10pm news bulletins on BBC One being cut back.

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