TV blackout

Telly addicts have been warned they face a BLACKOUT because of new high speed phone masts.

The 4G technology, currently being switched on in Prestwick, could wreak havoc withFreeview TV signals.

The warning comes as internet access for smartphones and tablets is upgraded in the town.

But some 4G signals transmitted at 800 MHz will cause interference to Freeview, it has been confirmed.

Now a government- led scheme has been set up to offer affected households free relief from the set- top shocker.

Symptoms include the loss of channels or sound, blocky pictures, freezing or the TV screen going blank or showing a ‘ No Signal’ message.

Ben Roome, CEO of support service 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.”

Cable and satellite TV, like Sky or Virgin, won’t be affected.