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Introduction

1.1 This discussion document addresses issues that Ofcom must consider in planning spectrum use for the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (the London Games). We welcome views from all interested stakeholders. We expect to consult on a draft spectrum plan after the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (the Beijing Games).

The London Games

1.2 The London Games will take place between 27 July and 9 September 2012. They will be staged at various locations around the UK, concentrating on the new Olympic Park to be built in the Lower Lea Valley. Wireless applications will play an important role both in the build-up to and during the Games.

Our role

1.3 We are the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries, with responsibilities across television, radio, telecommunications and wireless-communications services. As such, we are responsible for organising a full spectrum plan for the London Games.

1.4 This responsibility must be seen in the context of two guarantees given by the UK Government to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in support of London’s bid for the Games. These guarantee the allocation of spectrum required for the organisation of the Games and the waiving of fees otherwise payable for that spectrum by members of the Olympic family.

Spectrum requirements

1.5 At the core of the issues addressed by this discussion document is identifying what applications at the London Games might require spectrum and whether they could use spectrum more efficiently. Understanding these factors will assist us in constructing the draft spectrum plan. This document seeks information and views to aid our understanding.

1.6 We expect spectrum to be required primarily for two broad categories of application:

1.6.1 private mobile radio (PMR) by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG); and

1.6.2 broadcasting by Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS), the host broadcaster for the London Games, and rights-holding broadcasters (RHBs) that have contracted with the IOC to broadcast the Games.

1.7 Support services might also require more spectrum to fulfil their roles at the London Games.

Stakeholders

1.8 We are working closely with the Government, LOCOG and other domestic stakeholders. We have also discussed the spectrum requirements for broadcasting with OBS and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). We hope that other stakeholders, both in the UK and overseas, with an interest in the use of wireless applications at the London Games will respond to the issues raised in this discussion document.

The full document is available below

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

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