UK regulator Ofcom plans to force operators that win 4G licenses to shoulder the cost of preventing interference with digital TV signals.
The regulator claims up to 3% of digital terrestrial television (DTT) viewers could be affected by the problem, and has opened a consultation on proposals to require license-winning carriers to deploy filters that block the interfering signals in the 800MHz band that will be used for 4G services.
Interference is likely because some of the 4G frequencies are adjacent to those used for DTT services in the country, it states.
However, the filters won’t work in every case, Ofcom admits, meaning a minority of 0.1% of DTT users will need to switch to alternative TV platforms including cable and satellite. Some mobile base stations will also require updating to avert the problem, the Independent notes.
The regulator is gearing up to auction a total of 250MHz of spectrum in the 800MHz and 2.6GHz bands in 2012, and has proposed minimum and maximum caps to ensure a level playing field for all carriers seeking a license.
Related content
- THE WRAP: The world reacts to Japan disasters
- THE WRAP: EC flags net security weakness; Smartphone malware on the rise
- THE WRAP: Ofcom edges towards 4G refarming; Taiwan targets 4G auction in two years
- THE WRAP: France Tel profit drops €1b; EverythingEverywhere survives MTR cuts
- THE WRAP: Nokia cuts 4k more jobs; Telenor tumbles into the red