RESIDENTS across Swanage could be suffering from interference with their television service after new 4G mobile services have been switched on in the town.

The 4G signal frequencies at 800MHz sit next to those used by Freeview television systems.

This can overload television receives and set-top boxes causing interference.

Signs of the 4G signal having an effect include loss of sound, blocky pictures, freezing, a blank screen or showing a 'No Signal' message.

However, support is available from company at800, which was set-up under government direction.

The organisation is offering free support for households to resolve 4G related interference problems in Swanage.

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 arrange for one of our accredited engineers to visit homes to fix Freeview interference caused by 4G signals, free of charge.

"If you use Freeview alongside other TV services, we can send free filters which block mobile signals that are easy to fit to the aerial lead connecting to TVs and set-top boxes.”

Cable and satellite services, such as Sky and Virgin, will not be effected by the 4G frequency, but if viewers also watch Freeview at800 can provide free filters and advice.

Extra support from at800 is available from people who are 75 years of age or older, are registered blind, partially sighted or receive certain benefit support.

For more information about 4G interference and support available visit www.at800.tv.