FREE support is being offered to Teesdale residents whose new 4G internet connection interferes with their Freeview TV.

4G, otherwise known as the fourth generation mobile service, is now active in Barnard Castle and gives people faster access to the internet on smartphones and tablets. However, there is a small chance that some 4G mobile signals transmitted at 800 MHz may cause interference to Freeview TV, which is received via an aerial.

Because 4G signals are transmitted at a similar frequency to Freeview, TVs can pick up these mobile signals which may cause interference.

Signs of interference could include loss of sound, a blocky picture, or a ‘no signal’ message.

In order to tackle the problem, the government has directed a company called at800 to offer free support to households that rely on Freeview for their TV.

The company resolves 4G related interference so that viewers 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 your home 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.

For more information call 08081313800 for free or visit at800.tv