RESIDENTS in Barrow are set to benefit from faster internet speeds but could experience interference to Freeview TV when new 4G masts go live.

New fourth generation mobile services are being switched on in Barrow so people with smartphones and tablets can access the internet better.

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However, some 4G mobile signals transmitted at 800 MHz may cause interference to televisions using Freeview that is received via an aerial.

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 loss of channels or sound, freezing, blank screens or 'no signal' messages.

Solution to interference

Help is, however, available from a company called at800, which was set up under government direction. The company offers free support to households that rely on Freeview for their TV to resolve 4G related interference problems so that viewers can keep enjoying their favourite programmes.

Ben Roome, chief executive officer 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."

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 and advice, but not in-home engineer support.

People who live in communal properties should contact at 800 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 should contact at800 on 0808 13 13 800 (free from landlines and mobiles) or click here .