The Restore TV programme is informing communities that mobile services are being upgraded and that this could cause TV interference for some households.

While upgrading mobile services provide improved speed, performance and coverage for local residents and businesses via tablets and mobile phones, because these new mobile signals were previously used by TV services received through an aerial – such as Freeview, BT, TalkTalk and YouView – there is a small chance that anyone using these services may notice new interference.

Signs of interference include poor sound, a blocky picture, or a ‘no signal’ message. Restore TV provides free support to households that may experience this sort of TV interference. This ranges from providing a free TV filter which blocks the mobile signal and enables you to continue receiving and watching free to view services to in-home engineer visits.

Restore TV offers extra support for people who are 75 years of age or older, listed 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.

Cable and satellite TV, like Sky or Virgin, will not be affected by these mobile signals, but if you have cable or satellite TV and also watch TV through an aerial on another TV, Restore TV can provide free filters and advice, but not in-home engineer support.

Martin Whitfield MSP said: 

“It is important that households, especially those who are elderly or vulnerable, are aware of the support that is available if their TV is affected by these upgrades.

“If you have noticed new interference to your TV service, get in touch with Restore TV to find out if it is caused by the recent mobile signal upgrade.”

Residents can contact Restore TV on 0808 13 13 800 (free from UK landlines and mobiles) or via www.restoretv.uk, where you can also find more information.