Communications regulator Ofcom has suggested that part of the UK's mobile broadband spectrum should be reserved in preparations for the London 2012 Olympics.

According to the organisation, the 2.6GHz band could be used as part of the sporting event, particularly as there is likely to be growing use of wireless cameras which need such support.

Commenting on the decision, Ofcom suggested that the cost of setting the bandwidth aside has fallen in recent times.

"There appears little realistic prospect of using 2.6 GHz to deploy new mobile or broadband data services widely to UK citizens and consumers before the Games," the regulator added.

The body stated that not reserving the spectrum could be "a serious loss to the broadcasting coverage" of the sporting event.

Recent figures published by Infonetics Research revealed that the number of people using mobile broadband services worldwide is expected to reach 1.8 billion by 2014.