Boost given to mobile apps at Olympics by Ofcom

Rating: UK regulator promises extra spectrum for 2012 games

Anticipating that the advent of London 2012 Games will give rise to thousands of wireless applications, UK regulator – Ofcom - has set out plans for making extra spectrum available.

Besides the fact that professionals and consumers will want to use the regular cellular and PMRN [Private Mobile Radio Networks], running the games themselves will require ample spectrum.

Ofcom cites a number of specific, games-related applications. These include wireless timing systems, speed cameras, plus electronic tags for the competitors.

Media coverage will also generate heavy demand for wireless systems such as wireless TV and still image cameras and wireless microphones.

TV directors will also be utilising WLAN/Wi-Fi technology to communicate with journalists and camera operators. Commentaries will also be broadcast around the stadia wirelessly.

“Add to this the fact that spectrum is already heavily used in London and you begin to appreciate that managing the airwaves is a complex task,” commented Jill Ainscough, Ofcom’s COO.

The extra spectrum will be found a variety of ways. Most significantly, Of com plans to temporarily borrow from the Ministry of Defence and other public bodies.

This is significant given that Olympic officials will need to co-ordinate the sailing events at Portland Harbour and Weymouth Bay.

Ofcom is also hoping that some spectrum freed up by the digital switchover could be made available. Interesting since London will be one of the last places to make the switch.

The regulator also uses the phrase – “Encouraging more efficient use of civil spectrum and making use of licence exempt spectrum.”

Will the likes of O2 and Vodafone be encouraged to make use of their 1800 MHz spectrum, perhaps?

The opportunity to write spectrum efficient and secure mobile applications is obviously there.

More information here.