Trials of 4G services suggest Freeview viewers in London are unlikely to see their TV services disrupted when new high-speed mobile data services launch.
The tests were carried out by at800, a new body set up by the UK’s mobile networks to assess the impact the new services will have on TV signals across the UK.
at800 say the positive results reflect the “very strong digital terrestrial television signal in London”.
Earlier this year telecoms regulator Ofcom auctioned spectrum capacity on two separate bands – 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz.
The lower frequency 800 MHz band is part of the ‘digital dividend’ freed up when analogue terrestrial TV was switched off and is said to be ideal for widespread mobile coverage.
at800 Chief Executive, Simon Beresford-Wylie said: “London is a big and important market for 4G services and also has millions of Freeview viewers. Clearly it was essential for the broadcasters and the mobile operators that we run trials in London before a rollout of 4G at 800 megahertz.
“Whilst it seems unlikely that there will be issues for the vast majority of television viewers in the capital, we will remain alert to any possible interference when rollout commences.”