PEOPLE in Keswick who watch TV via Freeview are being warned that they could face some disruption when new mobile phone masts go live in the area.

An independent organisation set up by the leading UK mobile operators, at800lower case is making sure that viewers can still watch Freeview or are instead offered a suitable alternative when the new 4G mobile services go live.

Some problems are expected in the area due to the 4G signals operating at 800 MHz, the same frequencies used by Freeview. 

The organisation says that both TVs and set-top boxes which receive Freeview can fail to block the signals, causing interference such as a loss of sound, pixelated imaged or the loss of some or all channels.

at800 says that if a viewer lives in a house with its own aerial, does not have satellite or cable television and 4G at 800 MHz is judged to be causing disruption to Freeview then it will restore their television service to its previous quality.

If it believes that disruption to Freeview is due to 4G at 800 MHz, it will arrange for an accredited engineer to visit the viewer's home, check the cause and fit an approved filter to the TV system at no extra cost. 

However in most cases, disruption will be fixed by an at800 fitter.

Ben Roome, chief executive at at800, said: "New 4G mobile masts are bringing mobile broadband to Keswick, but they do have the potential to disrupt TV reception for some households. 

"We're already helping viewers in the area and continue to offer support. We want to ensure that people know it's our role to fix any disruption to Freeview due to 4G at 800 MHz and that there's no charge for our support."

Anyone who is experiencing disruption to their services can call 0808 13 13 800 or visit www.at800.tv/contact-us