4G base stations now transmitting into Ch63 and Ch64 in certain areas

Antenna

In certain areas of Co. Cork and I assume elsewhere in the country, 4G base stations as of recently are now transmitting across the 811 - 821 MHz area, taking in UHF TV channels 63 and 64.

Attached pictures are effects on a modulator (in a Televes FTA satellite receiver) set on Ch64 (somewhat less interference on Ch63), the 800MHz 4G signals picked up by the TV aerial causing horizontal 'tyre-tracks' interference effects on the modulator TV picture

2 examples shown, one with aerial attenuation so interference effect is much reduced

No interference noted to the modulator picture when trying any other UHF channels in the 60-69 region at the location, only 63 and 64 currently affected.

BTW UHF Chs 66-69 takes in the 'uplink' frequencies for this new 800MHz spectrum (transmissions from handsets to the base stations), obviously none were active nearby as trying the modulator on those channels gave clean pictures

The Cush

Time Slice 1 1 February 2013 - 12 July 2015
Time Slice 2 13 July 2015 - 12 July 2030

Meteor's 4G service launched in the areas of Dublin, Athlone and Carlow at the end of Sept reaching 30% of the population or 1.2 million customers (Map here - https://store.meteor.ie/4g/#)

Vodafone 4G locations at launch: Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford and Kilkenny (Map here - http://www.vodafone.ie/coverage)

The Cush

Dept of Communications 4G information

4G and TV

4G telecommunications services are planned to rollout shortly to meet the increasing demand for high speed mobile broadband services. Some 4G signals operate close to the frequency band that is used for TV broadcasting. Steps have been taken to ensure separation of the frequencies however some TV aerials or signal boosters may also pick up the 4G signal and in a very small number of cases, this can affect TV reception.

This page provides information on what you can do if you experience TV reception problems.

Whose TV reception may be affected?

Viewers using cable or satellite TV services are not expected to be affected. The majority of viewers using aerials to receive TV signal are not expected to be affected either, however a small number of viewers using aerials may be affected.

Reception problems are more likely if you have an aerial installation that:

a) includes an amplifier or signal booster on the roof or in the attic;

b) has a TV aerial that is pointed in the direction of the 4G base station;

c) uses unshielded cabling and fittings.

How will I know if my TV is affected?

There are two noticeable ways to identify if your TV reception is affected. You may notice:

a) distorted (pixelated) picture and intermittent lines across the TV screen or

b) loss of your TV reception completely.

Can reception be restored?

Yes it can. The solution can be simple but will depend on your particular TV set-up and we recommend that if you do experience a problem, that you contact your local TV installer to advise you on the best solution for you.

What is involved in restoring the TV reception?

This depends on your particular TV set-up but solutions may include removing unnecessary signal boosters, installing a 4G filter and/or using better cabling. A TV aerial installer will be best placed to advise you of the right course of action.

How much will this cost?

The cost will depend on your TV set-up and whether an installer callout is required. If a filter is required, this is expected to cost €12-€20 and is available from TV installers and some electrical suppliers who stock television aerials and electrical equipment.



Further information:

1. If you have problems with your television reception, contact your local TV installer.

2. Frequently Asked Questions

3. Installer Guidelines

http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Broadcasting/Digital+Television/4G+and+TV/4G+and+TV.htm

Comreg 4G information - http://www.askcomreg.ie/other/radio_frequency_(rf)_overload_and_digital_terrestrial_television_(dtt).400.LE.asp

The Cush

Antenna wrote: »

No interference noted to the modulator picture when trying any other UHF channels in the 60-69 region at the location, only 63 and 64 currently affected.

Meteor are licenced to operate in the lower end of the 800MHz band (791-801MHz, Ch61-part of 62). Once they start to rollout their network nationwide I wonder if we'll see TV interference in areas where Saorview is allocated frequencies in the 50s and in conjunction with viewers who use legacy masthead amps, particularly areas with low power Saorview transmitters using Chs 58-59 in proximity to a 4g base station.

http://www.2rn.ie/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/2RN-DTT-Television-Transmission-Network-Oct-2013.pdf

watty

With digital people that are discerning may notice increased pixellation on movement or occasional freezing.

The true level of interference will be massively under-reported.

I once thought the so called "Digital Dividend" was a good idea. It's not, just Governmental Greed (The Regulators and Treasuries are the only one getting a "dividend").

It doesn't and won't give anyone Broadband and it will make little difference to overall Mobile Data speed or availability if there are an economical number of customers.

It limits expansion of TV to HD, 3D, real 3D, more channels, Progressive scan or higher resolution. The original "money making plan" assumed really only SD channels that replaced Analogue at similar quality, not any development of TV Broadcast.

Actually the agenda of Ofcom and Comreg is to have TV only by cable TV, Satellite and Fibre Broadband and sell off ALL TV Terrestrial Spectrum.

It's daft. Broadcast and IPTV on Broadband are complementary. Satellite and Cable need fixed Infrastructures as does any Broadband system able for IPTV.

The so-called "White Space" (a misnomer) will also be allowed, destroying reception for anyone that needs to receive TV from outside their own area due to topological quirks or a desire for Cross Border (Or Across Irish Sea) reception.

The Regulators don't care about consumers, only generating revenue and promotion of Mobile Operators.