4G interference much less than expected in the Midlands test area
Brian Butterworth published on UK Free TV From at at800 press release:
[Just] fifteen households in the test area reported problems with TV reception caused by 4G. Before the test, at800's forecasting model predicted 120 households would be affected.
Approximately 22,000 homes surrounding the 4G at 800 MHz masts were sent information in advance of the testing asking them to contact at800 directly if they experienced problems with Freeview. Over 100 calls were logged by at800 from these households. Professional aerial installers, as well as TV signal experts from at800, the BBC and Ofcom, visited locations that reported problems to verify their cause.
All issues that could be attributed to 4G at 800 MHz were in television systems with signal amplifiers, either in communal blocks or domestic installations where the amplifier was attached to the aerial. A filter that blocks 4G signals at 800 MHz resolved problems seen by viewers when installed between aerial and amplifier.
Simon Beresford-Wylie, chief executive of at800, said "This was a useful, small-scale, test. We'll now improve our forecast model and look at the approach we use to tackle the issues we've seen. Further extensive evaluation will occur during April and May as masts are switched on for tests across larger urban areas."
at800's preparations for the commercial rollout of 4G at 800 MHz continue with a second phase of testing. These will focus on urban areas covering a larger number of addresses. at800 expects to be able to announce plans for a second test soon.
The original item is at Fewer problems than forecast with TV reception during 4G test | at800
The problem with just 15 data points from a population of 22,000 isn't a large enough sample size to be statistically significant.
| link to this comment |
3:35 PM
I note that the test mentioned was in an urban area that has several hills. Do you know if any such tests are planned in remoter rural areas where DTV signal strengths will inevitably be weaker and perhaps more susceptible to interference.
Interesting the Aerial Amplifiers were in use, perhaps it is the non-linearity in those that accentuates the RF interference?
Putting the filter before the AeAmp is the only way to do it.
| link to this comment |
9:39 PM
Here's a thought, and a question for Brian.
If 4G mobile signals can disrupt TV programmes on channel 60 then is it possible that 4G signals can be disrupted themselves by the channel 60 TV transmissions?
After all, Tv signals are more powerful and adjacent channel interference can work both ways.
| link to this comment |
7:05 PM
We have had problems with our reception since Fiday. Our reception is intermitent with the signal dropping to 'weak signal', or periods of 'no signal'.
Oddly another set in another room seems to be unaffected (though we watch this far less so may not have noticed).
We live in Crewe.
Any suggestions ? - we,ve tried retuning etc.
| link to this comment |
5:32 PM
John Jacobs question. Since the set in the other room is OK then that rules out transmitter problems.
Have you checked the aerial connection behind the set to see if it's the source of the problem and then plug in the other set on the same aerial to see if it's your main TV that's at fault.
If the second Tv works Ok on that main aerial then it's likely that you main TV set is at fault.
| link to this comment |
10:53 PM
Crewe
Why have channels 17,18,19 been taken from Freeview in my area.
I have one aerial trained on Winter Hill and one on the Midlands service.
| link to this comment |
Neville's: mapN's Freeview map terrainN's terrain plot wavesN's frequency data N's Freeview Detailed Coverage
11:29 PM
Neville Langley: If the two aerials are linked together via a diplexer it is possible that you could have lost ArqA from Winter Hill on C49. This depends on where the frequency split occurs on the two legs of the diplexer. You should not, however, have noticed any difference with regard to ArqB as this continues to be transmitted on C55 from Winter Hill, so channels 18,19 (4music and Yesterday) should still be available.
| link to this comment |
6:09 PM
Both Freeveiw tv's in our house have stopped working - I live in Coventry cv6 at the NW side of town, could this be a 4G problem?
| link to this comment |
6:13 PM
Philip Smith. Ask your neighbours if they're having the same problems - if not then that would rule out a transmitter fault. Then if needed check your aerial and downlead/connectors to see if there's a fault there. Make sure everything is plugged in OK.
You can check 4G issues at at800 | 4G Interference | 4G Filters | Let's be clear at 800 Mhz - a website set up to deal with 4G issues.
| link to this comment |
7:30 PM
Stone
I keep losing BBC News HD,(Freeview 107). It seems that loss of Ch33 & Ch35 are the cause and affects all the programmes on those channels. Checking the "signal level" it shows 10, but on "signal condition" it is 0, at these times of loss. My rooftop aerial faces Sutton Coldfield transmitter. I use a Panasonic TV TX-40AX630B. I also have BT Vision installed. Post Code ST15 0PQ. The signal levels from the Wrekin transmitter are fairly high as we can see the Wrekin.
A new phone mast in Stone has completely blocked BBC1 & 2 on channel 45
Is it 4G radiation that causes poor signal quality?
| link to this comment |
Bob's: mapB's Freeview map terrainB's terrain plot wavesB's frequency data B's Freeview Detailed Coverage