800MHz 4G broadband potential for Freeview interference - new map
Brian Butterworth published on UK Free TV To assist with working out where there will be problems when the 4G mobile broadband services launch, I have created a map showing the transmitter areas where the multiplexes will be using the higher end of the transmission range, channels C52 to C60.
If you are using transmitter with these allocations, it is more likely that you will need to fit a filter. If you have your area in an area with allocations outside this range, it is less likely.
However - the problems will only occur when 4G 800MHz services start, and then only if you are close to a mast. See How do I know if the 4G broadband will overload my Freeview?. Being close to a TV transmitter may help. Click on the map to see the full interactive version.
number of multiplexes in C52-C60 range when 4G 800MHz services start 
Retune only
When the 4G action is complete, we will have a clearer idea of the locations that will require a filter fitting.
Help with TV/radio stations?
In this section
Sunday, 27 January 2013
J
Jon6:27 PM
I take it green is good red is bad?
What do all the diffrent numbers represent?
Can't see a key.
| link to this comment |
woodface
9:41 PM
9:41 PM
Yep, green is good red is bad.
Click and zoom in to the map, and see Red scores 5 and you'll likely be filtered and/or troubled. Orange scores 4 = better odds, 3 is amber, 2 is Yellow. Green scores 1 or zero, you can breathe easy.
Basically, if you can wave at some main masts like Winter Hill through the window you're screwed.
<waves through window at lights of Winter Hill...>
| link to this comment |
woodface: The stronger the TV signal the less prone to interference it will be from the same level 4G 800MHz signal. This is because the TV signal will be "louder".
| link to this comment |
woodface
9:58 PM
9:58 PM
Course, you'll still need a 4G phone mast somewhere about the direction your rooftop aerial points.
Though I've a hunch I'll be as lucky with that as I am with the clump of trees (complete with preservation order) at 28 degrees East, precisely blocking UK satellite signals for most of the year.
| link to this comment |
Monday, 28 January 2013
I
ian from notts8:07 AM
Nottingham
the numbers tell you how many mux's the transmitter will have affected and thus the colour will suit.
i take it we will need to know which mobile masts will be using the c61 to c69 frequencys before we know if sites like all of winter hill will be affected ? like the map is showing?
| link to this comment |
ian's: mapI's Freeview map terrainI's terrain plot wavesI's frequency data I's Freeview Detailed Coverage
ian from notts: I tried to make this all clear in the How do I know if the 4G broadband will overload my Freeview? | 4G mobile | ukfree.tv - 10 years of independent, free digital TV advice article, there are two ways you can be effected.
1. "direct" interference - which is a mast transmitting on a signal on a frequency near to one you want for Freeview; and
2. "indirect" interference - which is an overload condition and happens regardless of the frequency you are going for.
The masts will all be using C61 to C64 for downlinks, the phones will be using C66-C69 for uplinks. C65 will be held clear.
The six winning operators will get 5MHz each.
Until we know who wins which 5MHz, and then where and when they deploy their base stations, will we know better who might be effected.
However, until then, the above maps is the best guide as to the "general areas" where there might be issues.
| link to this comment |
Tuesday, 29 January 2013
Stuart Owens
3:18 PM
Wrexham
3:18 PM
Wrexham
I thought that 61-68 where going to be used for 4G? What's going to be on those frequencies now?
I thought that was why Moel-Y-Parc's D3&4 multiplex was moved to 39 from 49 to enable Winter Hill's BBCA and ARQA multiplexes to be moved from 62 and 61 to 50 and 49 respectively on 10th April to avoid what I thought were going to be 4G frequencies on 61 and 62?
Have I got confused or is 61-68 now going to be used for something else?
| link to this comment |
Stuart's: mapS's Freeview map terrainS's terrain plot wavesS's frequency data S's Freeview Detailed Coverage
K
KMJ,Derby5:45 PM
Stuart Owens: You were correct with your first understanding of the situation regarding M-Y-P and Winter Hill frequency changes. Once the 4G services are up and running C61 to C64 will be used for signals coming from the 4G masts, C66 to C69 for signals from mobile handsets to the mast.
| link to this comment |
Stuart Owens
6:22 PM
Wrexham
6:22 PM
Wrexham
KMJ,Derby: So is 52-60 also being used for 4G as well as for Freeview?
Or is it a case that even a 4G signal on 52 can interfere somewhat with a Freeview signal as far away as 61 on the frequency scale?
Also, are TV/Radio masts ever used for mobile phone communications (3G or 4G)? If not, then why as with their height it would make sense for better signal and less prone to obstructions.
| link to this comment |
Stuart's: mapS's Freeview map terrainS's terrain plot wavesS's frequency data S's Freeview Detailed Coverage
K
KMJ,Derby8:23 PM
Stuart Owens: C52 to C60 at present is used only for Freeview. However this frequency range is seen as being possibly at risk of interference from 4G signals using the C61 to C69 range. C60 being the most likely frequency to be affected (and C52 least likely), but this is particularly in areas where there is a strong 4G signal and a weak Freeview signal, where amplification is used and is more likely to be a problem if the 4G signal is coming from the same direction as a weak Freeview signal, where the Freeview signal is vertically polarised and where poor quality coax is used for the downlead or fly leads. The frequency range C49 to C60 could possibly be cleared in the future for 4G/5G use, in which case Freeview would move to lower frequencies and a new range of frequencies would then be potentially at risk from interference, chiefly C39 to C48. Regarding your last point, there are many radio and TV masts that also carry mobile phone antennae. Where masts are shared the likelyhood is that interference will be less of a problem as the Freeview signal would normally be stronger than the 4G signal in the target area.
| link to this comment |
Select more comments
Your comment please