RESIDENTS have been warned that TV signals in South Cumbria could be affected by new 4G coverage for mobile phones.

New fourth generation mobile services, known as 4G, are being switched on in Ambleside and Kendal but experts say there is a small chance that some 4G mobile signals will cause interference to Freeview TV, which 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 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.

Set up under government direction, at800 is on hand to give free support to households that rely on Freeview for their TV to resolve 4G-related interference problems.

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.”

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.

Viewers who experience new interference to Freeview should contact at800 on 0808 13 13 800 (free from landlines and mobiles).

Formed under government direction, at800 is the company responsible for ensuring that households reliant on Freeview for TV can continue to receive it, or are offered a suitable alternative, when 4G at 800 MHz is activated in their area. at800 is funded by the UK mobile operators licensed to use the 800 MHz spectrum for mobile services: EE, Telefónica UK (O2), Three and Vodafone.