TV help for Bishop’s Stortford residents whose reception is affected by mobile upgrade
Help is available to Bishop’s Stortford residents whose television reception is affected by upgrades to the town’s mobile network services.
There is a chance the changes to improve speed, performance and coverage will cause interference to transmissions received through an aerial such as Freeview, BT, TalkTalk and YouView. Issues could include intermittent sound, blocky or pixelated images or loss of TV signal.
Free support is available from Restore TV, an independent programme created by Digital Mobile Spectrum Ltd (DMSL) which is owned by EE, Virgin Media, O2, Three and Vodafone.
Restore TV reports to the Coexistence Technical Working Group, chaired by Ofcom, which ensures free-to-view TV viewers’ interests are protected. The programme offers additional support for people aged 75 or older, those registered blind or partially sighted or anyone who receives personal independence payments (PIPs), attendance allowance, constant attendance allowance or War Pensioner’s Mobility Support.
Ben Roome, chief executive of Restore TV, said: “We know just how important TV is to inform, entertain and provide welcome company. Restore TV exists to ensure we all can continue to access free-to-view TV as mobile services are improved across the country.
“If you see new TV interference, we’re on hand to help you resolve the issue. We can send a Restore TV filter, free of charge, for you to fit between your aerial lead and TV or set-top box to remove mobile signals and allow you to watch free-to-view TV as normal. 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 issues, but if this isn’t the case, we may also be able to arrange a follow-up visit from a Restore TV engineer at no cost, depending on eligibility.”
Cable and satellite TV, such as Sky or Virgin, are not affected. However, viewers with these services, who also watch free-to-view TV through an aerial, can receive a free Restore TV filter.
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 of flats or communal buildings, Restore TV provides landlords or property managers with support to resolve the problem.
To get help, call 0808 131 3800 free from landlines and mobiles or see https://restoretv.uk/.