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2012 Olympics to Strain Broadband Networks – Virgin to Provide Free Wi-Fi During London Olympics

The 2012 London Olympics could place a major strain on the existing broadband infrastructure, says the Internet Service Providers Association (ISPA). James Blessing, ISPA’s treasurer, said of the London Olympics “There is the potential for a massive hit on the infrastructure.” Sports fans clamoring for their favorite feed will have 24 high definition streams to choose from, says the BBC. To ease the strain, Virgin Media has won the contract to provide free Wi-Fi to subway commuters during the Olympics.

BBC to Offer 24 HD Olympic Streams

One of the primary drivers of the increase in bandwidth consumption will be the extensive coverage of the Olympics promised by the BBC. According to the broadcaster, the 24 high definition channels will be equivalent to one terabit per second of data, the equivalent of 60,000 people downloading a full length high definition video every minute.

BT Broadband Customers can Win Olympic Tickets

British Telecom is giving customers the chance to win scarce Olympic tickets. BT customers can win a pair of tickets each week until July 2012, just by registering online. Tickets are also available to customers that place a call that lasts as long as an Olympic or ParaOlympic record.

Virgin Media to Offer Free Wi-Fi in London Subway Stations

Virgin Media has won the contract to provide free Wi-Fi during the Olympics. Virgin will provide free Wi-Fi in 80 tube stations this summer, and in another 100 by the end of the year. The wireless broadband will be free during the Olympics to all, and free to Virgin customers after the Olympics.

Further Reading

BBC to Offer 24 HD Olympic Streams
The BBC will offer 24 high definition video streams to satellite and cable customers during the London Olympics. The data is equivalent to one terabyte per second. April 3, 2012
BT Customers Given Chance to Win Olympic Tickets
British Telecom customers could win scarce tickets to the London 2012 Olympics. April 2, 2012
ISPA warns of Olympics broadband headache
The ISPA warns that the 2012 London Olympics could place a major strain on the existing broadband infrastructure in London. Cable.co.uk, March 21, 2012