Ofcom announce Olympic Radio Spectrum Consultation

Ofcom today set out its approach to planning the use of radio spectrum for the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

Hopefully it will be possible to use the Olympics as a launch pad for new technologies such as 60 GHz video transmissions and it is good to see that Ofcom is consulting on this issue.

The Ofcom press release says:

Ofcom's responsibility for organising a full spectrum plan for the Games was outlined in London's bid to the International Olympic Committee in 2004. As part of that bid, the Government guaranteed that spectrum would be allocated
for the organisation of the Games. The discussion document published today looks at the various demands for spectrum in preparation for and during the six week period of the Games. This includes:

- video links for wireless cameras to be used by the World's media; handheld radios to be used by the London Organising Committee to run the Games, from sports services to venue management;

- audio links including wireless microphones and in-ear monitors; and low-power local broadcasting services for commentary during competitions and interviews.

Ofcom planned and managed the spectrum requirements for the start of the 2007 Tour de France, which set off from London in July. We intend to build on this experience as well as identify lessons from other events in planning for the
London Olympics.

Today's publication seeks views on spectrum requirements and is the first step in ensuring that sufficient spectrum is available for the Games. Ofcom aims to consult on a full spectrum plan following the Beijing Olympics which start in
August 2008. We are confident that this process will ensure London's spectrum needs are met.

Ofcom's Chief Executive, Ed Richards, said: "We can't see it, hear it or touch it but radio spectrum is absolutely essential to delivering the most technologically advanced Olympic Games ever. With the eyes of the World on London during the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, Ofcom will play a crucial role in ensuring that spectrum is available for the smooth operation of these events."

News release:
All eyes on London as Ofcom plans spectrum use for the 2012 Olympics
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/media/news/2007/11/nr_20071130

The consultation closes 22nd February 2008.

Spectrum planning for the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/spectrum2012/

Consultation document
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/
spectrum2012/condoc.pdf

How to respond to the consultation
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/
spectrum2012/howtorespond/

60 GHz could be used for home video distribution
http://www.southgatearc.org/news/june2007/sibeam.htm

Samsung, Sony back SiBeam at 60 GHz
http://eetimes.eu/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=193500509

Industry coverts Amateur Radio THz allocations
http://www.southgatearc.org/news/october2007/
ultrawideband_under_the_gun.htm

WirelessHD - 60 GHz
http://www.wirelesshd.org/