NEW fourth generation mobile services, known as 4G, are being switched on in Winsford.

4G gives people faster access to the internet on smartphones and tablets. However, there is a small chance that some 4G mobile signals transmitted at 800 MHz 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.

Residents who experience the problem can get help from a company named at800, which was set-up under government direction.

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.”

With more 4G masts due to go live, any viewers who experience new interference to Freeview should contact at800 on 0808 1313 800, free from landlines and mobiles.

For more information, visit at800.tv.