Freeview in Shropshire could be affected by 4G

Receivers in televisions could be overloaded by the 800MHz signals transmitted by 4G technology.

The claim has been made by at800, an organisation set up by the Government to makes sure homes can still receive freeview TV once 4G goes active.

Ben Roome, chief executive of at800 said: "Because 4G at 800 MHz signals sit next to the frequencies used by freeview, they can overload the receivers in TVs and set-top boxes causing interference. Signs of interference include the loss of channels or sound, pictures going blocky, freezing or the TV screen going blank or showing a 'No Signal' message.

"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."

He said that cable and satellite TV, like Sky or Virgin, won't be affected.

If viewers have cable and satellite TV and also watch freeview, at800 can provide free filters and advice, but not in-home engineer support.

"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."

The organisation also 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.

With more 4G masts due to go live, any viewers who experience new interference to Freeview should contact at800 on0808 1313800 or via www.at800.tv/contact-us