Wireless spectrum due to be auctioned off to operators for 4G services, as well as that used by public sector bodies, will be used to cope with demand for wireless services at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The plans are a response to analysis by UK communication regulator Ofcom that demand from wireless technologies will more than double in London during the seven weeks around the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Broadcasters will be using wireless cameras, microphones and talkback systems, while there will be extensive use of walkie-talkies by the organisers, including security and emergency staff, as well as wireless timing and scoring systems. Up to 20,000 wireless frequencies will be allocated to support these systems, more than double the number Ofcom normally assigns in a year.

However, spectrum in London is already being used to capacity for many applications so Ofcom has developed a plan with the London 2012 Organisation Committee to provide additional spectrum capacity.

There will be a focus on making sure civil spectrum is used efficiently with unused frequencies – such as spectrum that will eventually be auctioned for 4G services – being made available. In addition, Ofcom will borrow spectrum used by public sector bodies such as the Ministry of Defence on a short-term basis. The Games will also use spectrum freed up by the digital switchover or that can be used without a licence.

Ofcom has also made provisions to minimise spectrum interference by building a spectrum assignment system to manage access to airwaves. A nationwide sensor network is intended to identify interference issues before they become a problem while a team of radio engineers – supplemented by experts from Europe – will deal with any issues that arise.

Ofcom has been running a series of test events of how the spectrum allocation will work, including April’s Royal wedding and the Formula 1 Grand Prix at Silverstone last summer. Ofcom will also manage the airwaves during the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in June this year.