New signal may affect TV channels

MOBILE internet speeds in Littleborough are set to get faster after a new 4G signal was switched on.

But experts are warning it could affect some Freeview TV channels.

Because the 4G signal transmits on a similar frequency to the Freeview channels, there is a ‘small chance’ the receivers in TVs and set-top boxes could be overloaded and affected by interference.

It can mean loss of sound, pictures going blocky, freezing or the TV screen going blank or showing a ‘No Signal’ message.

But to help those affected a government backed company has been set up to offer free help and advice.

The firm, at800 also offers extra support for the elderly and disabled.

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 arrange for one of our accredited engineers to visit homes to fix Freeview interference caused by 4G signals, free of charge.

If you use Freeview alongside other TV services, we can send free filters which block mobile signals that are easy to fit to the aerial lead connecting to TVs and set-top boxes.”

Contact at800 on 0808 13 13 800 or at800.tv/ contact-us.