By Muhammed Haroon –

Mobile network upgrades may temporarily affect aerial TV in local area.

Residents in Heckmondwike are being advised of potential TV disruption as mobile network services are being upgraded throughout the area to improve speed, performance and coverage.

While the upgrades are expected to improve mobile connection, there is a small chance they could cause interference to television services received through an aerial, including Freeview, BT, TalkTalk, and YouView.

What Viewers Might Experience

Households affected by the changes may notice issues such as broken sound, blocky and pixellated pictures, static or even a complete loss of TV signal.

These disruptions are usually linked to the interaction between mobile signals and aerial-based television reception, specifically in areas with weaker signal strength or where aerials are located close to cell towers.

However, services delivered through cable or satellite, such as Sky or Virgin, will not be impacted, but homes using these services alongside aerial TV may still experience interference on their free-to-view channels.

Free help and support from Restore TV

Support is available at no cost through Restore TV, which is an independent programme set up to ensure viewers can continue watching free-to-air television without disruption.

Restore TV is operated by Mova (Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited), an organisation backed by major UK mobile network operators, such as EE, Virgin Media O2, and VodafoneThree.

The programme is overseen by an industry group chaired by Ofcom to ensure viewers’ interests are protected.

If interference occurs, Restore TV can provide practical solutions, including sending out a free filter that helps reduce signal disruption.

Extra assistance for vulnerable viewers

Additional support is available for those who may need extra help, including people aged 75 or over, people who are registered blind or partially sighted, and people receiving certain benefits such as PIP (Personal Independence Payments), Attendance Allowance, Constant Attendance Allowance, or War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement.

Restore TV also works with landlords and property managers to resolve issues affecting residents in flats or communal buildings.

“We’re here to help”

Ben Roome, CEO of Restore TV, reassures residents that support is readily available: “Free to view TV matters to millions of people across the UK.

“Restore TV is here to make sure you can keep watching as mobile networks are improved.

“If you notice new interference, we can help fix it quickly and at no cost.”

How to get support

Residents experiencing new TV interference are encouraged to contact Restore TV for assistance.

Support is available via:

Phone number: 0808 13 13 800 (free from landlines and mobiles)

Online: restoretv.uk

With upgrades under maintenance, viewers experiencing any disruption should seek support. Help is free, quick and easy.