Freeview chief calls for pilot scheme to measure 4G interference
Tests need to be conducted to ascertain whether a 4G mobile phone network will degrade digital terrestrial television signals in the UK.
This is according to Freeview managing director Ilse Howling, who called on the government to run a pilot scheme prior to rolling out a next-generation phone network, Digital Spy reports.
"People have bought into Freeview with enthusiasm and good faith and have made significant investment in Freeview equipment through digital switchover," she remarked, adding consumers should not be forced to "foot the bill" for dealing with any interference caused by 4G systems.
Although 4G could roll out as soon as this year, fears exist that interference could leave as many as 2.3 million homes with a blank screen when trying to watch Freeview channels.
The 800MHz spectrum band is being auctioned off for 4G use by industry regulator Ofcom.
It sits alongside the 700MHz spectrum used to transmit Freeview signals and approximately 10,000 households are likely to need to move to cable or satellite services as a result.
Some households may be able to use an amplifier to boost their TV signal and the government has proposed a £180 million scheme to fund a solution to the interference.
