Everything needs to test in the real world and I don’t mean by squirting something into a monkeys face. I mean by flipping a big switch and seeing how many people complain. The airwaves in York are about to get busy.
So who are are at800? They are an organisation responsible for ensuring people continue to receive free-to-air television when 4G mobile services operating at 800 MHz are launched. The organisation is funded by the UK mobile operators with 800 MHz spectrum allocations to provide 4G services – EE, Telefónica UK (O2), Three and Vodafone. So far they have done tests and trials in the West Midlands, south east London, west London and Brighton.
Around 10,000 addresses in an area west of York city centre will receive a postcard later this week explaining that 4G at 800 MHz could cause problems with their Freeview service. Exciting times are ahead for west of York residents, being metaphorical monkeys having stuff squirted in their faces.
Viewers can call at800 on 0333 31 31 800 but no doubt if you do receive a post card it will advise you what to do.
It is nice to see these things being tested and it is also nice to see 4G slowly rolling out around the country. If only it would work 2 miles outside of Nottingham City Centre.
Testing 4G at 800 MHz in York
at800 has announced that it will conduct further testing of 4G at 800 MHz in York. Around 10,000 addresses in an area west of York city centre will receive a postcard later this week explaining that 4G at 800 MHz could cause problems with their Freeview service. Viewers can call at800 on 0333 31 31 800 for more information. at800 is the organisation tasked with ensuring viewers continue to receive TV channels on Freeview when 4G mobile services are launched at 800 MHz.1
The York test will allow at800 to further examine its approach to predicting where interference may occur. These predictions are based on several factors including the strength of television signals and the frequency separation between 4G at 800 MHz and local digital terrestrial television services.2 The test will also help at800 refine the approach it takes for viewers who may need additional support, such as the elderly and those with a disability.3
Potentially affected households are being informed this week, approximately one week before the masts that could affect their Freeview service are activated. In most cases, a free filter, available from at800 – connected between the TV aerial and the television, Freeview box or signal booster – will solve any issues by blocking 4G signals at 800 MHz. at800 will also have a team of professional aerial installers and testing units in the area to respond to calls from viewers.
Simon Beresford-Wylie, chief executive of at800, said, “The testing in York will help us further refine our approach, alongside the tests we’ve conducted and which continue in Brighton.4 We urge those viewers in York who receive a postcard, and who see new problems with their Freeview reception, to call us.”
If viewers have not been contacted directly through the post by at800, problems with their Freeview service are unlikely to be due to 4G at 800 MHz. Television received via a cable or satellite service is not expected to be affected. Only new 4G services at 800 MHz could cause problems with Freeview; existing 4G services from EE operate at 1800 MHz and do not disrupt television reception.
