Brighton UK Homes Join Trial to Help Test for 4G and TV Interference

Some 80,000 premises in Brighton (England) have joined at800.tv‘s (DMSL) trial to test whether or not the new generation of 4G (LTE) based Mobile Broadband services in the 800MHz band will disrupt Digital Terrestrial TV (Freeview) services. But the new trial will be a little bit different.

Apparently Brighton was chosen because “Freeview in the area is transmitted on frequencies that are particularly close to the 800MHz” spectrum used by 4G. In addition this trial will also be the first time that at800 has provided support for the elderly or those with a disability.

Simon Beresford-Wylie, CEO of at800, said:

“The hilly terrain in Brighton – which can affect TV signals – coupled with Freeview being transmitted on frequencies very close to 4G at 800 MHz will make this a very useful trial. We urge viewers in Brighton to call us should they see any new problems with their Freeview reception.”

However only 2,424 households will this time be sent an at800 filter, which is designed to remove the 4G interference, before the trial begins (the filters are usually sent to homes that are most likely to suffer from problems). The results of the first urban trials are expected to surface within the coming weeks.