4G 5G & Freeview Interference

4G 5G Mobiles – Overview

4G & 5G Mobiles are now operating throughout the UK. 3G is about to be switched off, with the frequencies reallocated to carry 4G & 5G Signals

There are multi Frequencies of 4G & 5G – two of the Bands, 700MHz & 800MHz, are on old TV Bands & those mostly likely to cause TV Interference. These have been designed to offer specific benefits. They offer excellent coverage, including Indoor reception, over a wide area – but also as it is the band that is likely to cause significant interference to Freeview users in the UK.

4G 800MHz, 5G 700MHz& Freeview Interference

First lets looks at the Good News – 700/800 MHz is excellent for covering a wide geographic area indoor coverage. This wavelength has excellent ‘propagation’ characteristics & will offer the operators much improved indoor coverage.

Now the Bad News – This 700/800 MHz spectrum is the top part of the old TV Band, covering UHF Channels 49 to 68. Thats where the flaw lies. All TV aerials, amplifiers & distribution systems were designed to operate across this frequency. Therefore they will see these Signals, the aerial will pick it up & send it down the coax cable to any attached TVs, Amplifiers, Communal Systems etc. These new signals will be at a much higher signal strength than the old TV Signals, added to that, there will be many more 4G/5G Masts than  TV Transmitters (due to frequency reuse). Estimates put Masts at over 15,000 locations. Add together these two situations & you risk big problems. The amplifiers & certain Freeview equipment will, quite simply, overload & stop working. It really is that simple. You’ll have no idea its coming, until one day your TV works. The next day you leave the house, during the day one of the Mobile Phones companies turns on a New Transmitter in your area, you come home turn the TV & your screen says “Poor Signal”, “Bad or No Signal” or some other friendly, helpful error message. Thats it! Done! Also remember YouView customers all rely on Freeview for the main TV Services.

Thankfully Satellite – Sky & Freesat – will not be affected. Virgin Cable customers will also be unaffected.

The Solution

If you are affected by 4G/5G interference there are Filters available to resolve the issue. The best way to choose a qualified installer is to only use those Licensed to use the RDI Blue Tick & the associated Qualification. We at AVAV Systems have completed the training & have the detailed technical knowledge needed to help solve any Interference issues.

The Operators have admitted some users will need to change their TV platform – the interference will leave them unable to use Freeview permanently. They will be offered Satellite or Cable, thought it is not clear if this only applies to one TV per household. OFCOM have suggested this figure will be approx 10,000 homes.

There is a Help Scheme for those over 75, on certain benefits, registered blind etc. This will function long the lines of  the Digital Switch Over Help Scheme.

AVAV Systems – 4G/5G Experts

If you have any reception issues related to 4G 5G Interference we at AVAV Systems are able to offer clear, concise & impartial advise & solutions. Call us today for prompt service.