6th Jun 11
Ofcom warns 4G mobiles could scramble TV signals
by Natasha Redman
Blur box: latest phones could disrupt Freeview signal
Blur box: latest phones could disrupt Freeview signal
Next generation mobile phones are likely to disrupt digital television upon launching in 2013 unless companies act on the issue, warned the communications watchdog Ofcom.
Ofcom has set out proposals aimed at reducing interference between 4G mobiles and digital TV, saying it hoped to make sure the two services are able to function side-by-side. It warned that should nothing be done, 760,000 homes throughout the UK could be struck by interference to the quality of the TV picture of their Freeview service.
A number of viewers will have to install a filter to their TV aerial in order to block interfering signals, while there may also need to be changes made to mobile base stations. The regulator said that the mobile operators will be expected to bear the costs.
It went on to state that in a small number of instances the filter may not actually work and customers will be forced to change to a satellite service, like Freesat. Ofcom has introduced a consultation, which comes to an end in August, and it plans to publish an update during the autumn.
The 800 MHz spectrum which will be freed up next year by the digital TV changeover is set to be offered to mobile phone operators in the regulator’s auction run in 2012. The frequency is crucial for companies looking to provide a 4G mobile service.
4G will dramatically improve internet browsing while on the move. The regulator described it as “essential” to be able to meet the rapid increase in data traffic as mobile broadband and smartphones usage becomes more common. Yet the first handsets providing 4G services are not expected to appear before 2013.
However, concerns have been raised about the 800 MHz frequency being close to those which are used for digital terrestrial TV broadcasting, and the signal may interfere with digital televisions and set-top boxes. Ofcom estimated that as many as three per cent of digital terrestrial customers could see their service worsen if efforts are not made to tackle the problem.
For some time the regulator has known that 4G phones have the potential to cause digital TV problems, and enlisted Cobham Technical Services last year to perform extensive tests on the effect they have on cable television. It said previously that it was closely monitoring the situation.
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