New 4G mobile services have been switched on in Birkenhead. Because 4G signals sit next to the frequencies used by Freeview (800 MHz), there is a small chance that some residents in the area may experience interference to Freeview, which is TV received via an aerial.
Signs of interference are loss of sound, pictures going blocky, freezing or the TV screen going blank or showing a ‘No Signal’ message.
Free help is available from a company called at800. Set-up under government direction, at800 offers support to households that rely on Freeview for their TV to resolve 4G related interference problems so that viewers in Birkenhead can keep updated on current affairs and enjoy their favourite programmes.
at800 also offers extra support for people who are 75 years of age or older, are registered blind or partially sighted or receive any of the following benefits: personal independence payments (PIPs); attendance allowance; constant attendance allowance or War Pensioner’s Mobility Support.
Ben Roome, CEO of at800, said, “We want to ensure that people know it’s our role to fix Freeview interference caused by 4G at 800 MHz, and that there’s no charge for our service.
“If you rely on Freeview for TV, we can send you a filter to fit yourself, free of charge, which fits into the aerial lead connecting to TVs and set-top boxes to block mobile signals. Full instructions are included, and we can provide further advice online and by phone if needed.”
“In most instances, fitting the filter will resolve any interference from 4G at 800 MHz, but if this isn’t the case, we may also be able to arrange a follow-up visit from an at800 engineer at no cost, depending on eligibility.”
Cable and satellite TV, like Sky or Virgin, won’t be affected. However, if viewers have cable and satellite TV and also watch Freeview, at800 can provide free filters.
People who live in communal properties should contact at800 and also advise their landlords. at800 can provide free filters to landlords, but property managers are responsible for the cost of fitting these.
With more 4G masts due to go live, any viewers who experience new interference to Freeview should contact at800 on:
· 0808 13 13 800 (free from landlines and mobiles)
For more information, please visit www.at800.tv
Freeview has their own page regarding interference, including a section on 4G here.
The relenent section states, “Sometimes 4G mobile broadband services can interfere with TV signals in some areas. A company called at800 has been established by mobile phone operators to help resolve these reception issues for Freeview users.
“You can use its tool to check if there’s 4G interference in your area – if there is it can usually be resolved by fitting a 4G filter between your aerial cable and your TV. You can get a free one from at800 – see its 4G filters guide for more information, or call its support team on 0808 131 3800.”