New fourth generation (4G) mobile services have been switched on in Saxmundham – bringing faster internet to smartphones, but a chance of interference to Freeview TV.

People experiencing loss of sounds, pictures going blocky, freezing or blank screens are advised to contact at800 – a company set up under government direction to provide free services resolving 4G related interference.

The interference happens because 4G signals sit next to Freeview frequencies and can overload receivers.

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, such as Sky or Virgin, is unaffected by 4G. Cable and satellite TV customers who also watch Freeview, can receive free filters and advice from at800, but not in-home engineer support.

Extra support is available for people who are aged 75 or older, registered blind or partially sighted or receive benefits including – personal independence payments; attendance allowance; constant attendance allowance or War Pensioner’s Mobility Support.

Visit at800’s website or call free on 0808 13 13 800.