With one year to go until the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, TETRA network operator Airwave reports that it is well ahead with its preparations for supporting the big event.

In June, the company announced that its private mobile radio (PMR) service for the London 2012 Games was ready for service. This secure TETRA network, named Apollo, runs in parallel with Airwave’s national digital network for Britain’s emergency services. During the 2012 Games, it will provide voice radio communications for up to 18?000 staff and volunteers working for the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG).

The Apollo system includes dedicated base stations ensuring radio coverage across East London, the main location for the Games, and in other parts of England which will host Olympic events.

Test events

Having undergone rigorous testing by Airwave, Apollo has been taking part in test events with LOCOG, many of them staged at some of the newly created London 2012 Games venues, to test key aspects of operational readiness. The system will be used by Games staff and volunteers, from stewards and security personnel to anti-doping officials, from now until December 2012.

“All of us at Airwave are incredibly excited about being a year away from the London Olympics”, said David Sangster, director of UK services for Airwave. “We’re working hard to make sure that Airwave’s secure radio communications system plays its part as a critical piece of infrastructure behind the Games. With things really gearing up towards next year’s event, we’re doing all we can to help make sure the Olympic and Paralympic Games go without a hitch.”
Meanwhile, the existing Airwave Network is being upgraded to cope with radio traffic for the emergency services during the Games.