British firms could lose their internet connections during the London 2012 Olympic Games due to an increase in the number of people accessing the internet, according to Cabinet Office’s official advice.
The government prepared document "Preparing your business for the Games" encourages businesses to arrange for staff to work more flexibly during Games time, which may require them to work from different locations, such as from other offices or home, or at different times than usual.
The document noted that ISPs may introduce data caps during peak times to try and spread the loading and give a more equal service to their entire customer base, though this has not yet been confirmed by these ISPs.
"In developing your business continuity plan for the Games you will need to ensure that any increase in homeworking is supported by appropriate IT, and that internal systems and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have been engaged in the planning process so that the demands on the system can be understood and managed," the document reads.
The report also stated that mobile networks may be slowed down at peak times during the Games.
Voice, email and low-data traffic are unlikely to be affected, but it may be difficult to download larger content such as files or images.
The report, however, revealed additional capacity and coverage for mobile phone networks is being put in around Games venues.
This will overlay the existing coverage provision and existing customers can expect a normal service during Games-time.
The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are considered to be the largest sporting events in the world with 37 competition venues across the country, of which 27 are in London.
Games would begin with the start of the Olympic Torch Relay on 19 May 2012 and go on up to 9 September 2012, when the Paralympic Games end.
