Television viewers are being warned that their TV signal may be affected by faster internet speeds introduced to the area.

As 4G signal is turned on in the area enabling people to get a better internet connection on mobile phones and tablets, Freeview users may face interference to their television signals.

This is because the 4G signal sits next to the 800 MHz frequency used by Freeview, which can overload television sets, and can cause a lack of sound or pictures, blocky images, freezing, or a no signal message.

Free support is being offered to households that rely on Freeview by aerial engineering service at800, which has been set up under government direction to help viewers with interference problems.

The service offers extra support to the elderly and people who live with a disability and are on income support.

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.”

Tenants living in communal properties can also contact at800 and should also advise their landlords, as the engineers can provide free filters but property managers are responsible for the cost of fitting them.

The disruption will only affect aerial services, so cable and satellite TV such as Sky and Virgin won’t be affected.

For residents that use these services as well as Freeview, at800 can provide free filters and advice but not in-home engineer support.

For more information visit www.at800.tv or call 0808 13 13 800 for free from landlines and mobiles.