(BEIJING, July 25) -- Time is running out.

With time closing down, the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) is putting its best efforts into creating a "Broadband Olympics" and a "Digital Olympics."

The "Broadband Olympics" will be a major highlight of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

Data transmission and information safeguard are important factors in a successful Olympic Games. With each Olympic Games, innovations in technology have been introduced.

At the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, high-bandwidth data transmission at speeds of 2mbs and above was introduced. The 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games saw the introduction of Internet technology and high definition television.

Down under at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, mobile communication was a big part of that Olympiad and at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games new data transmission technology, including DSL broadband access and network security, was introduced.

"Broadband Olympics" embraces a series of high-bandwidth technology including Automatic Switch Optical Network (ASON) technology, wireless LAN, and broadband access. These technologies will enable multimedia information services, video conferencing, and other unique services.

Broadband network access with an IC card

Journalists covering the 2008 Olympic Games will be provided with IC cards for broadband access. According to China Netcom Group Corporation, who will be providing the technology for the "Broadband Olympics" project, this is the first time smart card technology and Internet technology will be integrated to provide broadband network access.

"IC card technology is just one aspect of the "Broadband Olympics," said Zhao Jidong, Vice President of China Netcom. "Broadband Olympics" is a complete package that covers high-speed networks, broadband access, comprehensive services, and full range of practicality and convenience.

In terms of Internet access, officials, athletes, and journalists involved in the 2008 Olympic Games will be provided with dial-up numbers, ADSL and enjoy speeds of 64Kps to 155Mbs.

"Broadband and Digital Olympics" to be tested

The 26 "Good Luck Beijing" sport events will begin rolling out this year across the Olympic host and co-host cities in which BOCOG will provide a full range of support and services in terms of personnel, operations, management, media, and technology. At the same time, the IC card system, IT command center, network management center, and related personnel will be put through real-time testing.

The experience of providing support services for the "Good Luck Beijing" sport events will foster a top-notch support team for Games-time next year.