Ofcom Spectrum Plan for London 2012 Games

On Monday the UK regulator Ofcom published its Spectrum Plan for the London 2012 Olympic Games which contained input from both the RSGB and RAYNET.

Among the input from RSGB and RAYNET cited in the report are:

4.5 The 430-440 MHz band is managed by the MOD and is used by Radio Amateurs on a secondary basis. Ofcom notes RAYNET’s response, which pointed out that this band is used to support St John’s Ambulance, Red Cross and other similar users as well as Amateur Special Event Stations for cultural events linked to the London 2012 Games. At past Games, Amateur radio bands (especially 430-440 MHz) have been used and this remains a possibility for the London 2012 Games if demand exceeds our ability to meet it from our preferred bands.

A2.9 LOCOG and the RSGB supported the view that maximising use of wired and existing infrastructure can greatly assist in reducing additional spectrum requirements.

A2.137 RAYNET said the fact that Amateur radio bands have been used in past Games is incongruous with the assumption that Ofcom does not anticipate revoking or varying existing licences to meet the requirements of the London 2012 Games. While Ofcom's stated preference is to meet demand in 137-173 MHz, the specific mention of the earlier use of 430-440MHz is concerning since existing Amateur licence conditions already exclude the use of 1MHz of this band within a 100km radius of Charing Cross.
Any further variation would not be consistent with the desire not to revoke or vary existing licences.

A2.160 The RSGB asked that we note that the amateur 70cms band (430-440 MHz) which they share (on a secondary basis) with the MOD is included in Table 8 of the consultation, which they share with MOD and that there is a significant amount of amateur repeater infrastructure in this band. For a variety of reasons therefore, the RSGB do not believe this band is a good choice.

A2.17 RAYNET suggested that we should emphasise the need to protect services outside London from the effects of the London 2012 Games and put forward a number of ways in which mitigation might be achieved such as site-specific shielding.

A2.171 The RSGB notes that a number of these bands overlap with amateur microwave use and seek further discussion in this regard.

A2.20 More generally, the RSGB said that they believe that there are many opportunities (licensed and exempt) for millimetre-wave bands to facilitate data links for example and minimise pressures on lower frequencies.

A2.26 ... Both RAYNET and OBS said that it would be possible to reduce some spectrum demand.

A2.126 RAYNET said that it would continue to use the primary and secondary allocations to the Amateur and Amateur-Satellite Service.

A2.227 ... The RSGB believe such venues are used to handling major events and do not require significant amounts of additional spectrum.

A2.291 ... The RSGB said that well resourced and pro-active monitoring and enforcement arrangements are needed.

Read the full statement at
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/london2012/
statement/statement.pdf