Free help has been made available for those experiencing 4G interference on their Freeview boxes in Tilbury.

New fourth generation mobile services, known as 4G, have been switched on in Tilbury, giving people faster access to the internet on smartphones and tablets.

However, there is a small chance that some 4G mobile signals will cause interference to Freeview - TV received via an aerial.

Because 4G at 800 MHz signals sit next to the frequencies used by Freeview, they can overload the receivers in TVs and set-top boxes causing interference.

Signs of interference are loss of sound, pictures going blocky, freezing or the TV screen going blank or showing a ‘No Signal’ message.

But help is available. Set up under government direction, a company called at800 offers free support to households that rely on Freeview for their TV to resolve 4G related interference.

This means viewers in Tilbury can keep enjoying their favourite programmes.

at800 also offers extra support for the elderly and those that receive disability premiums (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 send you a filter to fit yourself, free of charge, which fits into the aerial lead connecting to TVs and set-top boxes to block mobile signals. Full instructions are included, and we can provide further advice online and by phone if needed.

“In most instances, fitting the filter will resolve any interference from 4G at 800 MHz, but if this isn’t the case, we may also be able to arrange a follow-up visit from an at800 engineer at no cost, depending on eligibility.”

Cable and satellite TV, like Sky or Virgin, won’t be affected. However, if viewers have cable and satellite TV and also watch Freeview, at800 can provide free filters.

People who live in communal properties should contact at800 and also advise their landlords. at800 can provide free filters to landlords, but property managers are responsible for the cost of fitting these.

at800 also offers extra 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.

With more 4G masts due to go live, any viewers who experience new interference to Freeview should contact at800 on:

For more information, please visit www.at800.tv