4G mobile comes to Halesowen: Will your Freeview reception be affected?

4G gives people faster access to the internet on smartphones and tablets.

But 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 include the loss of channels or sound, pictures freezing or the TV screen going blank or showing a 'No Signal' message.

A company set up by the government called at800 offers free support to households that rely on Freeview for their TV to resolve 4G related interference problems so that viewers in Halesowen can keep enjoying their favourite programmes.

Ben Roome, CEO of at800, said: "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.

at800 also offers extra support for people who are 75 years of age or older, are registered blind or partially sighted or receive any of the following benefits personal independence payments attendance allowance, constant attendance allowance or War Pensioner's Mobility Support.

For more information, visit www.at800.tv