New at800.tv Website to Help UK Freeview TV and 4G Interference Woes

The Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited (DMSL) group, which was created to help some of the 2 million+ UK homes that could suffer a loss of Digital Terrestrial TV (Freeview) when the new 4G based Mobile Broadband services go live via the 800MHz band, has setup a new website to help inform and advise those affected.

The not-for-profit organisation, which was formed on an initial basis in October 2012 by EE, O2, Three UK and Vodafone, is responsible for ensuring that people continue to receive Freeview TV when the new 4G (LTE 800) mobile services go live this summer. The creation of the at800.tv (“Let’s Be Clear At 800MHz“) website forms part of that £180m effort.

Simon Beresford-Wylie, CEO of DMSL, said:

“I look forward to working closely with broadcasters and mobile network operators to ensure everyone continues to be able to receive their current TV service. DMSL plans to pre-empt the majority of potential interference issues caused by 4G at 800 MHz and existing TV services. We’re focused on being able to provide anyone who may be affected with the information and equipment they’ll need to ensure they continue to receive free-to-air TV.”

Sadly DMSL is only expected to help the 900,000 or so homes that are likely to rely on DTTV services “for their primary viewing” and anybody else will need to find an alternative on their own (e.g. satellites or cable TV).

Simple filter devices should solve the issue for most people without the need for an engineer, although some will require extra help and the fund has been designed to cater for that.