Airwave to supply mobile radio services to 2012 Games

Airwave, which has just completed the rollout of its TETRA network in the London Underground, will be the first-ever Olympic official private mobile radio services provider and will deliver private mobile radio services to all Games venues.

In preparation for the 2012 Games, Airwave is building a completely new and independent communications infrastructure that will be used from 2011 right up to, and during, the period of the Games.

Like its public safety infrastructure, the service will be delivered using TETRA (terrestrial trunked radio) technology, but it will be totally separate. The new service will provide coverage designed to allow the 2012 Games and its workforce to operate effectively and safely.

The infrastructure will predominantly provide coverage for the London venues but also includes satellite venues, such as Weymouth and Hampden Park.

Airwave, which provides mission-critical voice and data communications to the emergency services of England, Scotland and Wales, as well as other public safety organisations, is the latest Tier 3 supplier to London 2012 to be announced by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

Work on the new infrastructure is already underway and it is expected to be be ready in April 2011 before the Olympic test events commence later that year.