at800 Starts 4G Interference Testing in West Midlands
- Monday, March 18th, 2013
- Share this article:
Testing is under way to see if the new 4G mobile networks on the 800MHz spectrum will interfere with Freeview TV boxes in the UK.
at800, a not-for-profit being funded by the operators using the frequency, EE, Telefónica O2 UK, Three and Vodafone, has started testing in the West Midlands today. The pilot, focusing on areas in Cradley Heath and Rowley Regis, will last for up to two weeks and more trials will follow ahead of the first commercial rollouts expected from early summer. Residents and businesses are being asked to report if Freeview services are disrupted when the masts are switched on.
at800 is also purchasing and testing filters to be fitted to Freeview boxes if interference occurs. They are being provided by Filtronic, Link Microtek, Philex, Radio Design and Televes. at800 says that in most cases, [the filters] will eliminate interference from 4G services.
“I’m delighted that just two weeks after the licence awards, we are already in a strong position and about to begin our first pilot,” said Simon Beresford-Wylie, at800 chief executive. “This is an important phase and will give us a clearer picture of how many people are likely to be affected. We’ll do our best to ensure minimum disruption to viewers in the area as we gather the information we need.”