Telecoms regulator Ofcom has set out proposals to ensure that digital TV delivered through a roof top aerial can function alongside the next generation of mobile services to be rolled out from 2013.

On 22 March, Ofcom set out plans to auction 800MHz spectrum for 4G mobile services next year. The 800MHz spectrum is adjacent to the frequencies used for digital terrestrial television (DTT) broadcasting. Due to its proximity, in a small number of cases, this could cause the signals from mobile base stations to interfere with set top boxes and digital televisions in the future. This could potentially affect up to 3 per cent of DTT viewers if no measures were put in place to solve the problem.

Ofcom has today proposed a number of ways to reduce this interference. In some cases viewers will have to fit a filter to their TV aerial. These filters block the signals that interfere with TV reception and should solve most of the interference cases. Ofcom proposes that the majority of the costs of this exercise should be borne by the future 800MHz licensees.

In a very small number of cases – less than 0.1 per cent of DTT viewers – filters may not solve the problem. Ofcom is considering a number of options to address the problem. It is carrying out more research into the issue and expects to publish a further consultation in the autumn.The consultation, which closes on 11 August, can be found here.

The Communications Consumer Panel (CCP) has welcomed the Ofcom consultation. CCP chair Bob Warner says: “The Panel welcomes Ofcoms consultation into the possible impact that new, 4G mobile services may have on DTT viewers. The next generation of mobile services will bring with them many benefits for customers, and it is important that we get the best we can from those new resources for consumers.

“However, it is vital that any potential problems for existing DTT viewers are identified and consumers protected. The Panel will be working closely with Ofcom, and other consumer bodies, throughout the consultation process to ensure the best outcome for all consumers.”