TV interference support for Ilkley residents

Mobile network services are being upgraded in the Ilkley area which may cause interference to TV received through an aerial such as Freeview, BT, TalkTalk and YouView.

The mobile network upgrade will boost speed, performance and coverage, but there is a small change these improvements could cause interference to TV signals, with symptoms including intermittent sound, blocky images (pixelation) or loss of TV signal.

Cable and satellite TV, such as Sky or Virgin, are not affected.

For residents affected by the upgrades, free support is available from Restore TV, an independent programme created by Mova (Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited), an organisation owned by the UK’s mobile network operators: EE, Virgin Media O2, and VodafoneThree.

Restore TV’s role is to ensure people can continue to enjoy free to view TV if mobile service upgrades cause TV interference.

A free filter can be sent out, to fit between the aerial lead and the television or set-top box. This filter blocks out mobile signals from interfering with television reception.

The programme offers additional 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 (PIPs); attendance allowance; constant attendance allowance or War Pensioner’s Mobility Support.

Ben Roome, CEO of Restore TV, said:

“Free to view TV matters to millions of people across the UK. Restore TV is here to make sure you can keep watching as mobile networks are improved.

“If you notice new interference, we can help fix it quickly and at no cost.”

Residents are more likely to be affected if they live in an area with weak digital television reception, have a TV signal booster and whose TV aerial is close to a mobile mast.

For residents in flats or communal buildings, Restore TV provides landlords or property managers with support to resolve the problem.

Restore TV reports to the Coexistence Technical Working Group, chaired by Ofcom, which monitors and advises on the programme to ensure free to view TV viewers’ interest are properly served.

Any viewers who experience new interference to free to view TV should contact Restore TV on 0808 13 13 800 (free from landlines and mobiles) or Restoretv.uk.