The countdown to the London Olympics is on and like in Australia a few years ago, it will affect some amateur radio frequencies in the 70cm band in an area of about 30km around London, the coastal area of Weymouth and one other small area near London.
Greg Mossop, G0DUB, IARU Region 1 Emergency Communications Coordinator reports that this will also affect operations in the rest of the UK near any of the selected areas, who run high power or live on high areas, should also be aware of this restriction.
Ofcom have sent out a warning that stations interfering on any of the selected frequencies will have their operations curtailed or stations closed down!
Some repeaters are also affected, including some RAYNET repeaters. Steps will be taken to change their frequencies to operate outside the restricted segment of the 70cm band but fortunately most RAYNET repeaters are outside the restricted portion of the band.
All amateurs should be aware that radio spectrum and all devices that use radio spectrum will be carefully controlled at the Olympic venue. This means that the public, including radio amateurs, should not attempt to take any radio equipment (other than mobile phones, car key fobs etc.) into any Olympic venue as they will be refused entry!
Greg reports that this is probably a far better outcome than they expected for the London Olympics and because they responded so early to consultations from the authorities and stated their emergency communications aspects!
Special event stations will also be on air and more information about this will be released later. Check the SARL website for more information or access the RSGB website for more information.
We will obviously follow the Olympic Games locally and will also liaise with Greg during the games to establish how things are going. Reflecting on our 2010 Soccer World Cup, and the arrangements made by HAMNET for this event, I am sure the RAYNET is well prepared for any eventuality!
A heads up for the African Cup of Nations or AFCON which will be taking place in four stadia in mid 2013. This event is not as big as the SWC, but we may still make ourselves available for emergency communication if needed!
Reporting for HAMNET, this is Francois Botha, ZS6BUU.
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