Ofcom Offers 2.6GHz Band For 2012 Olympic Games Rather Than Mobile Broadband

Ofcom have today announced that the 2.6GHz radio spectrum (2500-2690MHz) can be used for wireless camera applications during the 2012 London Olympic Games that are due to take place from 27th July to 9th September 2012.

This would ultimately prevent the 2.6GHz spectrum from being used by either WiMAX or LTE mobile broadband technologies whilst the Olmypics games are taking place.

Ofcom’s decision is the result of a comprehensive consultation on the matter, which found no evidence to suggest that reserving the 2.6GHz band for the 2012 Games would result in any material opportunity cost or harm to consumers.

Ofcom Statement

In the absence of evidence that there is any material opportunity cost of reserving the 2.6 GHz band for the London 2012 Games, or of harm to consumers, we will proceed with the reservation of the whole 2500-2690 MHz band for wireless cameras between 28 June and 23 September 2012.

It may be possible to grant licences for non-operational trials and tests of new mobile or broadband data services in the 2.6 GHz band if these are carefully co-ordinated. The provision of London 2012 Games services will take precedence over other uses of the spectrum during the Games, but we will endeavour to coordinate other uses (where possible) in order to facilitate the development of new services to citizens and consumers.

Our reservation of the 2.6 GHz band for the London 2012 Games does not require us to revoke or vary existing spectrum licences to meet Games requirements.

Ofcom recently announced that LTE friendly next generation 4G mobile broadband would not be made available in the UK until 2014.