SECURITY

The federal government has spent 800 million US dollars on what has been described as the largest ever World Cup security plan.

The operation will include the deployment of 170,000 military, police and other security personnel.

Rio de Janeiro's government says a 20,000-strong force will be present across the city during the six matches at the Maracana stadium.

There will also be a no-fly zone, limiting air traffic within a seven-kilometer radius of the venue on game days.

And in a bid to prevent a repeat of incidents in Brazil's domestic competitions earlier this year, the federal government has vowed a stadium ban for fans previously convicted of racism offenses.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS, ENERGY SUPPLY

FIFA and the government have taken steps to ensure mobile telephone coverage at each World Cup venue.

But FIFA's marketing director Thierry Weil warned fans may still struggle to make calls and send text messages during matches due to congested networks.

"We've learned from the Confederations Cup, and put specific trucks outside the stadium to enhance the connectivity," Weil said. "But at the end of the day, to be honest, having 70,000 in a stadium, where everybody wants to make a phone call at halftime, well, I'd say you better talk to your boyfriend or girlfriend ahead of the game."

Operators have met their promise of providing 4G coverage in each host city. But handsets widely used in the US, Europe and Australia will not be compatible with Brazil's 2.5GHz spectrum, meaning many tourists will be limited to 3G access.

The government has also adopted measures to guarantee electric power supply.

Under an operational energy plan announced earlier this year, each stadium will be monitored around the clock by national power grid operator ONS.

Utilities have also been obliged to upgrade transmission and distribution infrastructure serving World Cup cities.

TICKETS

FIFA has moved to stop the sale of unauthorized tickets as scalpers attempt to profit from soaring demand.

In a briefing with media, FIFA's Weil said those found with resold tickets would be denied entry at stadiums.

"My advice is not to take risks," Weil said. "Don't buy tickets on the black market. If we find out, you'll be stopped and will be prevented from entering the stadium."

Fans left empty-handed during the internet sales phases have been given another chance to attend matches, with an extra batch of tickets available from June 1.

The tickets went on sale at official venue ticketing centers.