At800 has awarded DTG Testing the contract to test filters that will be used to protect digital terrestrial television from interference by 4G mobile broadband signals at 800 MHz.
DTG Testing, which is the digital TV industry’s test centre operated by the Digital TV Group (DTG), will also provide a conformance testing service for manufacturers wishing to supply filters to the retail market, with filters that pass its testing being given the rights to use the at800 logo.
At800 is the brand name of Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited (DMSL), the not-for-profit organization that has been formed by and represents mobile network operators with spectrum at 800 MHz.
Commenting on the development, Richard Carlton, associate director at DTG Testing, said: The introduction of 4G later this year will mean faster, more reliable mobile internet services for consumers but could also disrupt a minority of viewers’ Freeview services. As the digital TV industry’s test centre we are committed to ensuring that new technologies work alongside existing digital TV services in the UK.
“We’ve been investigating coexistence issues between Freeview and 4G services at our Wireless Test and Innovation Centre to help inform the industry in advance of potential issues that may arise from the introduction of 4G services. By applying this knowledge, combined with a decade of experience defining and conducting test and conformance regimes for digital terrestrial television, we can help at800 ensure that viewers at risk from interference are adequately protected.”
Simon Beresford-Wylie, CEO, at800 added: “Using a trusted body such as DTG Testing to ensure conformance of the filters we supply is an important step. It allows householders, professional installers and the retail industry to be confident that filters with the at800 logo meet the parameters required to mitigate interference of 4G services at 800 MHz.”