Irish Government sets up a committee while UK government allocates £180 million to solve 4G Interference problems
Though the new 4G LTE Broadband networks are to be rolled out in both Ireland and the UK from the summer of this year, their respective governments have taken a very different approach to facing up to 4G related TV interference problems that will occur.
David Maher, Technical Manager with TvTrade.ie explains “The UK government’s approach has been all about solving the problem – while the Irish government’s approach has been focused on not spending any money. As part of the bidding process in the UK, mobile phone companies were required to make a contribution to a fund to assist viewers who will face TV interference problems related to the Launch of 4G – while in Ireland there is no funding, no information campaign, nor indeed any guidelines on what filters should be used”
The problem is that the new 4G network which will broadcast in the 800MHz range will spill over into the Frequencies used by Saorview. Based on UK projections, it is believed that around 200,000 houses in Ireland may be effected and many of these will need to use 4G Filters, change their amplifiers or in extreme cases be forced to switch to satellite TV.
Steps taken by the UK government
- Established a company called Digital Mobile Spectrum (DMS) Ltd. with a budget of £180 million to oversee dealing with the problem
- Giving a free 4G filter to houses which fall within the 1.2km radius of new 4G Transmitters
- Issuing a £50 voucher to any customer who needs to install the filter on their roof
- Running an information campaign to make customers aware of the 4G launch, it’s possible implications and how the issues can be addressed
- Funding to customers who are forced to switch to satellite TV to a maximum of £10,000
Steps taken by the Irish government
Minister Rabbitte has appointed a special group to look at the possible impacts of the launch of 4G. But it would appear clear that:
Minister Rabbitte has appointed a special group to look at the possible impacts of the launch of 4G. But it would appear clear that:
- There will be no free filters
- There will be no installation vouchers
- Most likely we will simply piggy back on the UK 4G filter standards
For more information see http://www.tvtrade.ie/