Mobile phone operators are now preparing to start rolling out 4G networks across UK towns and cities to provide super-fast wireless broadband in the coming weeks and months.

At800 cannot predict whether Freeview will definitely be disrupted, only that 4G at 800 MHz masts are being activated in certain areas over the coming weeks and months and could disrupt Freeview. Viewers are being advised that there is a small chance that they may experience some disruption to television reception when masts go live. However, in those few cases, it can be resolved by fitting an individual or communal filter, which will be provided for free by at800.

If you operate in these areas and receive calls reporting problems with Freeview services, it may be due to mast activation. However, do not assume this to be the case. Based on the findings from the recent 4G tests, at800 are not expecting there to be any significant disruption to Freeview TV services. They advised that if an area is not listed, then 4G at 800 MHz is not able to disrupt television signals. In these instances they are suggesting viewers call Digital UK for help on 08456 50 50 50

If you believe 4G at 800 MHz may be the cause, ask the caller to report the problem to at800 on 0333 31 31 800*. They will be asked for the address and postcode of the property where a problem has been reported, the nature of the problem and the time it occurred. If you are responsible for solving a problem on behalf of a property owner, please call at800 directly.

Only new 4G services that will roll out at 800 MHz have the potential to cause problems to Freeview reception. at800 has advised that if the viewer has not been contacted directly through the post, or they watch cable or satellite TV, any interference to the Freeview service is unlikely to be due to the 4G masts being activated.

For more information, visit http://www.at800.tv

*Calls from landlines are typically charged between 2p and 10p per minute; calls from mobiles typically cost between 10p and 40p per minute. Calls from landlines and mobiles are included in free call packages. For call centre opening hours, visit www.at800.tv 

The at800 brand is a trademark of Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited (DMSL). DMSL is the not-for-profit organisation that has been formed by and represents the UK mobile operators with 800MHz spectrum - EE, Telefónica UK (O2), Three and Vodafone.

Now contacting addresses ahead of mast activation in coming weeks and months

Following tests conducted across the country, at800, the organisation responsible for protecting Freeview when 4G at 800 MHz is rolled out across the UK, has provided a new estimate of the likely scale of the impact. If national rollout reflects the results seen during its tests, at800 expects no more than 90,000 households, with Freeview as their primary TV service, to experience disruption caused by 4G at 800 MHz.

This figure also corresponds to less than 1% of households with Freeview as their primary TV service, according to the latest viewer figures from Freeview: http://www.freeview.co.uk/articles/about-us/press-releases/freeview-homes-surpass-11-million-as-bbc-two-hd-launches-on-freeviews-hd-service-today.html Whatever the level of disruption, at800 is ready to restore Freeview to viewers.

Good news amidst endless gloomy media is always welcome respite and the CAI is pleased to report the Evolving Connectivity 2013 was so busy the start had to be delayed in order to allow the crowds in!

Tremendous good news was huge queues for the registration desk meant that to badge everyone saw the start of the talks put back 45 minutes in order to ensure no-one missed the keynote speakers!

Literally hundreds arrived at the NEC Pavilion just after 9am, re-assuring everyone involved that this was going to be a CAI event to remember - and possibly a ‘best ever’. A record pre-registered tally meant doors opened early to allow the huge queue at the door to make its way through the badging process. Inside visitors were greeted by some of the most extravagant stand builds the CAI has seen in its 35 year history.

Keynote speaker presentations can be found under the Evolving Connectivity 2013 folder in the downloads section or view the Evolving Connectivity 2013 web page.

Following an initial small-scale test in the West Midlands, and a larger-scale test in south east London to help understand the extent to which 4G at 800 MHz may disrupt Freeview, a third pilot is being run from Monday 29 April in West London .

Approximately 50,000 household and business addresses in parts of Ealing, Hounslow and Richmond are being contacted directly to alert them to the test.

at800 is the organisation tasked with ensuring viewers continue to receive Freeview when 4G mobile services at 800 MHz are launched later this year. They are asking viewers in the area to report problems with television reception from Monday 29 April. They also have a team of professional aerial installers and testing units in the area that will respond to calls from viewers, visit addresses, report problems and restore Freeview.

Some 170,000 household and business addresses in parts of the London boroughs of Greenwich, Lewisham, Southwark and Tower Hamlets are being contacted in the biggest test yet to determine the extent of 4G mobile broadband disruption to Freeview. 

The test follows successful pilots in the West Midlands last month, which showed the extent of interference was less than originally forecast. 

As well as the tests underway in the areas above at800 is holding a further test to help understand the extent to which 4G at 800 MHz may disrupt Freeview. Approximately 28,000 households in Brentford and Isleworth will be sent a free at800 filter ahead of the test, which begins on 29 April. This test will help at800 assess any problems viewers may have with fitting filters and whether receiving one in advance improves awareness and understanding of the potential issue.

If you operate in the London Boroughs of Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark and Tower Hamlets and receive calls reporting problems with Freeview services from 15 April in postcode areas - E1, E1W, E98, SE1, SE10, SE11, SE13, SE14, SE15, SE16, SE17, SE21, SE22, SE23, SE24, SE26, SE3, SE4, SE5, SE6, SE8, it may be due to the testing. However, do not assume this to be the case. In the first pilot of 4G at 800 MHz more people had Freeview issues unrelated to 4G than those caused by the test.

If you believe 4G at 800 MHz may be the cause, ask the caller to report the problem to at800 on 0333 31 31 800*. They will be asked for the address and postcode of the property where a problem has been reported, the nature of the problem and the time it occurred. If you are responsible for solving a problem on behalf of a property owner, please call at800 directly.

Following the latest 4G Rollout seminar held on 4^th April, Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited (DMSL) with support from the Digital TV Group (DTG), CAI and RDI will be hosting another follow up event to update the industry on key developments. The event will be led by DMSL’s Alan Mather.

Registration will take place at 10am. The seminar will be from 10.30-12.30 (followed by lunch) on Tuesday 7 May at the DTG offices, 5th Floor, 89 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7TP.

For more information, the slides from the previous session and to register please visit: www.dtg.org.uk/4Grollout

Following on from the early March announcement that Eutelsat were forming a partnership with the CAI to train around 700 engineers, the CAI has successfully negotiated arrangements with venues around the UK to host the necessary free-of-charge practical workshop sessions integral to the Tooway™ accreditation. 

Please CLICK HERE to book yourself onto your chosen session.