Trials of the new 4G platform have confirmed that it will not disrupt Freeview digital television signals, despite initial fears, itproportal.com reports.
Tests performed by at800, a group created by Three, Vodafone, EE and O2, discovered that activating the masts did not interfere with Freeview outputs. A trial carried out across parts of west and south London in April resulted in not one single complaint.
There had been concerns that activating the masts would have an adverse impact – or ‘TV apocalypse’ as some have termed it – due to the ‘close proximity of the 800MHZ LTE (4G) frequency to the UK’s Freeview signal’. However, a second trial in the West Midlands had the same positive outcome – which is great news for 4G operators and homeowners keen to install 4G routers.
Speaking specifically about the London test, at800 chief executive Simon Beresford-Wylie 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 roll-out of 4G at 800MHz.
“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 roll-out commences.”
A further is taking place currently across the far hillier terrain of Brighton, according to bbc.co.uk. Though a ‘handful of issues’ have been highlighted so far, should the test ultimately prove successful, then the 4G roll-out could take place in the summer.
