Mobile Operators Create Joint-Venture To Deal With 4G Freeview Interference

The major UK mobile operators have agreed to create a jointly controlled company that will be responsible for ensuring consumers still receive clear digital terrestrial television once 4G networks have been rolled out.

Ofcom has made it clear that the creation of such an institution is required to ensure the rapid rollout of 4G services – now expected early next year following successful talks last month.

It is believed that more than two million people will be affected by the launch of LTE networks on the 800MHz spectrum and the government had previously announced that mobile operators would be required to pay £180 million into a fund to resolve any problems. No other frequency bands are affected.

4G Freeview Interference

Digital Mobile Spectrum Ltd will be responsible for assisting impacted households and has appointed Andrew Pinder as interim chairman. The company will be funded by the successful bidders for 800MHz spectrum and the forthcoming 4G auction, expected to be EE, O2, Three and Vodafone, with provisions in place to ensure that if any other party acquires spectrum, they can immediately become a shareholder.

“The roll-out of 4G is a huge step forward for mobile broadband services in the UK, and will be incredibly important in driving economic growth,” said Maria Miller, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. “I am pleased that the mobile operators will be working together to ensure that no viewers lose their television services when 4G is rolled out, and congratulate them on setting up the assistance scheme so quickly.”

“This is further evidence of the progress that is being made by the industry, guided by Ofcom, to deliver 4G mobile services across the UK,” added Ofcom chief executive Ed Richards. “The 4G auction is already on track to begin at the end of the year and the creation of Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited ahead of time represents yet another step towards bringing consumers early access to the next generation of mobile broadband services.”

Talks between Ofcom and operators ended the possibility of further delay to the rollout of 4G in the UK due to legal action. The 4G timetable was brought forward by five months as television broadcasters and infrastructure operators agreed to release frequincies that had previously been used for digital terrestrial television earlier than planned.

All major operators could launch 4G networks by next Spring with EE starting its controversial service on its existing spectrum on 30 October.

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