Installed on Nelson Road, one new mobile phone mast has resulted in improved signal strength for O2 mobile phone customers in Dartmouth.
The signal strength has improved from a single bar in the lower town to full strength since the new mast was installed a couple of weeks ago. However, there is a small chance that some 4G mobile signals transmitted at 800 MHz will cause interference to Freeview, which is TV received via an aerial.
New fourth generation mobile services, known as 4G, have been switched on in Dartmouth. 4G gives people faster access to the internet on smartphones and tablets.
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 are loss of sound, pictures going blocky, freezing or the TV screen going blank or showing a ‘No Signal’ message.
Free support is available to those affected. Set-up under government direction, a company called at800 offers free support to households that rely on Freeview for their TV to resolve 4G related interference problems so that viewers in Dartmouth can keep enjoying their favourite programmes. at800 also offers extra support for the elderly and those that receive disability premiums (income support).
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 send you a filter to fit yourself, free of charge, which fits into the aerial lead connecting to TVs and set-top boxes to block mobile signals. Full instructions are included, and we can provide further advice online and by phone if needed.”
“In most instances, fitting the filter will resolve any interference from 4G at 800 MHz, but if this isn’t the case, we may also be able to arrange a follow-up visit from an at800 engineer at no cost, depending on eligibility.”
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.
People who live in communal properties should contact at800 and also advise their landlords. at800 can provide free filters to landlords, but property managers are responsible for the cost of fitting these.
at800 also offers extra support for people who are 75 years of age or older, are registered blind or partially sighted or receive any of the following benefits: personal independence payments (PIPs); attendance allowance; constant attendance allowance or War Pensioner’s Mobility Support.
at800 is the consumer brand of Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited (DMSL). Formed under government direction, it 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.
With more 4G masts due to go live, any viewers who experience new interference to Freeview should contact at800 on 0808 13 13 800 (free from landlines and mobiles) or www.at800.tv/contact-us. For more information, please visit www.at800.tv