Having published a consultation document in June 2006 and a discussion document in January 2007, Ofcom is considering how to proceed with awarding wireless-telegraphy licences to use the 10 GHz, 28 GHz, 32 GHz and 40 GHz bands. We plan to publish further documents in spring 2007 before making the award in summer 2007. Part of that award comprises 200 MHz of spectrum in a 10 GHz band managed by the Ministry of Defence (MOD).
London will host the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games between July and September 2012. While many venues are located in London itself, others are elsewhere in Great Britain. Test events will start in 2010. Ofcom is meeting Government guarantees, made as part of London’s bid, to organise a full spectrum plan for the Games and to make spectrum available to members of the Olympic family without charge. We are working closely with the Government and the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) and expect to consult on a draft spectrum plan for the London Games in summer 2007.
Spectrum at 10 GHz is suitable for video links and wireless cameras. We are not yet in a position to conclude whether bands other than the spectrum available for award at 10 GHz could satisfy demand from the London Games for these uses, but we want to meet the current timescales for awarding the band. We therefore need to let potential bidders know the implications of making the band available for the Games as this could have a bearing on their approach to the award. This document sets out our options and proposes a licence condition.