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Introduction

Discussion document

1.1 On 30 November 2007, we published a discussion document on spectrum planning for the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.[^(-1-)] This addressed issues that we must consider in planning spectrum use for the London Games. It asked stakeholders to assess the assumptions that we were making and the approach that we were proposing.

1.2 We received 15 responses. We have published those that were not confidential on our website.[^(-2-)] Annex 1 contains a summary of the points that respondents made. Annex 2 lists respondents who did not request that their details be kept confidential.

1.3 We will address all responses in substance when we consult on a draft spectrum plan for the London Games. We expect to do so after the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. We will continue to discuss issues with stakeholders in the meantime.

Additional work

1.4 The discussion document noted that using spectrum to realise the benefits that the London Games will bring to the UK comes at a cost. It is therefore important that we encourage approaches to meeting the spectrum requirements of the Games that will reduce these costs. One of the approaches that we identified was using higher-frequency spectrum that is less scarce.

1.5 On 30 th January 2008, we published a report by consultants Sagentia, addressing the feasibility of using SHF (3-30 GHz) and EHF (30-300 GHz) spectrum to provide wireless camera connectivity for the London Games and for programme-making and special events (PMSE) generally over a longer timescale.[^(-3-)] Sagentia found that there is scope in principle to migrate a proportion of existing usage at 2.3 GHz to higher frequencies, with the greatest opportunity at 7.5 GHz for in-stadium outside broadcasting applications. While activity at 60 GHz will start to open up the use of even higher frequencies, existing applications are not sufficiently close to those of wireless cameras to make the technologies relevant in time for the Games.

Footnotes:

1.- www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/spectrum2012/condoc.pdf.

2.- www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/spectrum2012/responses/.

3.- www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/spectrum2012/shf_ehf/report.pdf.

The full document is available below

• Spectrum planning for the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games [pdf]
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