ANYONE whose Freeview television service has been interrupted by the new 4G internet masts going live in the Cinderford area can get free help to fix the problem.

Some viewers may have suffered interference to their TV service, because 4G signals sit right next to the 800 MHz frequency used by Freeview.

The Government has set up a company to deal with the problem called at800, to help resolve interference caused by 4G signals for households reliant on Freeview TV.

Ben Roome, CEO of at800, said: “Because 4G at 800 MHz signals sit next to the frequencies used by Freeview, they can overload the receivers in TVs and set-top boxes causing interference.

“Signs of interference are loss of sound, pictures going blocky, freezing or the TV screen going blank or showing a ‘No Signal’ message.

“We want to ensure that people know it’s our role to fix Freeview interference caused by 4G at 800 MHz, and that there’s no charge for our service.

“If you rely on Freeview for TV, we can arrange for one of our accredited engineers to visit homes to fix Freeview interference caused by 4G signals, free of charge.

“If you use Freeview alongside other TV services, we can send free filters which block mobile signals that are easy to fit to the aerial lead connecting to TVs and set-top boxes.”

Cable and satellite TV, like Sky or Virgin, won’t be affected. However, if viewers have cable and satellite TV and also watch Freeview, at800 can provide free filters and advice, but not in-home engineer support.

People who live in communal properties should contact at800 and also advise their landlords, who are responsible for the cost of fitting these.

The company also offers extra support for people who are 75 and over, are registered blind or partially sighted or receive personal independence payments (PIPs), attendance allowance, constant attendance allowance or war pensioner’s mobility support.

Contact 0808 1313800 (free from landlines and mobiles) or go to www.at800.tv/contact-us if you need help.