at800, the industry-run organisation responsible for troubleshooting 4G interference issues, is revising its service after receiving less viewer complaints than anticipated.
“Five months after the launch of mobile services using 4G at 800 MHz, at800 is confident that disruption to Freeview will be less widespread than initially estimated. It is therefore able to refocus its resources to better serve those viewers who are affected by the activation of new 4G masts in their area,” the telco-backed organisation said in a statement.
at800 is planning to reduce the number of days taken to “restore service to previous quality” from 15 to 10 working days. The service is offered when a viewer’s primary means of watching TV is from Freeview and there is perceived interference from a 4G telephony mast.
If 4G interference is proved to be the cause at800 will install and test the necessary filters.
Ben Roome, CEO of at800 said, “We’ve used evidence gathered over the past ten months to assess how best to support viewers whose TV is affected by 4G at 800 MHz. The changes we’re announcing today will help us provide a better, more effective service.”
The revised approach from at800 has been fully endorsed by the 4G/TV Co-existence Oversight Board, which represents consumers, broadcasters, mobile operators, Ofcom and the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS).
