MP demands help over TVs hit by 4G rollout

EDINBURGH North and Leith Labour MP Mark Lazarowicz is calling on the UK Government to pledge increased support for people whose Freeview TV reception is hit by the rollout of new 4G mobile phones.

Up to two million people are expected to receive a poorer signal, lose channels or even be blacked out altogether.

The Government is expected to make up to £3 billion from the rollout of the 4G technology next year. It has so far set aside £180 million to pay for filters to be installed for affected households, but there are fears that will not be enough. TV signals will suffer because the part of the spectrum being used for 4G is next to the band used for terrestrial digital TV services from Freeview.

Mr Lazarowicz said: “Government will reap the proceeds from auctioning new 4G licences but TV viewers could lose out if there is not help and support for those whose Freeview service is affected.

“Over 185,000 homes in Scotland could be affected including many elderly people who will be least likely to benefit from new broadband and rely on the TV for ­entertainment.