London 2012’s critical communications ready for service
The existing Airwave TETRA network is undergoing upgrades to cope with the increased traffic for emergency services during the Games.
Airwave, the leading provider of critical voice and data communications to public service organisations in the UK, has announced that the private mobile radio (PMR) service infrastructure for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games is ready for service.
The PMR network, named Apollo, will provide voice communications for over 18,000 staff and volunteers from the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) during the 2012 Games.
Apollo has been purpose-built to provide mobile radio to all London 2012 competition venues from the Olympic Park itself to sites across the country from Glasgow and Manchester to Coventry and Weymouth. The stand-alone network is now ready for operation and will be used by Games staff and volunteers, from stewards and security personnel to anti-doping officials, from now until December 2012.
Apollo has already gone through rigorous testing by Airwave. It will now take part in several test events with LOCOG, many of which will be at London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic venues for the first time, as part of preparations to test key aspects of operational readiness for the Games.
Apollo is standalone network constructed for London 2012. Airwave’s provision of PMR infrastructure will not impact on the Airwave Network which provides critical communications to public service organisations. The existing Airwave network is undergoing upgrades to cope with the increased traffic for emergency services during the Games.
According to David Sangster, UK services director at Airwave: “We are incredibly proud to be an official supplier to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. A coordinated and safe event is a top priority for the organising committee and a secure and effective radiocommunications system is a critical piece of infrastructure required to deliver it. At a time when thousands of people will be flocking to London, Apollo will help to make sure London 2012 goes without a hitch.”
Gerry Pennell, chief information officer for LOCOG, went on to say: “Now that Airwave have delivered the private mobile radio service using the Apollo network, our staff are using it operationally in the run up to and during test events. This will ensure they have sufficient time to understand the system and get the best out of the equipment and network. We look forward to working with Airwave to ensure the successful delivery of the London 2012 Games.”
Source: www.airwavesolutions.co.uk
