Low risk of 4G interference to Freeview in London

Tests for possible interference to digital-terrestrial broadcasting from 4G mobile services in London have produced no confirmed problems, according to at800, the body set up to ensure that Freeview services are not disrupted by the launch of LTE mobile services using 800MHz ‘digital dividend’ spectrum.

At800 said the results reflected the fact that there was a strong DTT signal in London and that services were transmitted on frequencies with clear separation from the new 4G services.

Simon Beresford-Wylie, chief executive of at800, said, “London is a big and important market for 4G services and also has millions of Freeview viewers. Clearly it was essential for the broadcasters and the mobile operators that we run trials in London before a rollout of 4G at 800 megahertz. Whilst it seems unlikely that there will be issues for the vast majority of television viewers in the capital, we will remain alert to any possible interference when rollout commences.”

At800 will now run a further trial in Brighton, where Freeview is transmitted at frequencies much closer to the those used for the 4G services.