Next-generation mobile broadband might get in the way of Digital TV, warns Ofcom

Next-generation mobile broadband services using LTE technology might come in way of digital terrestrial TV (DTT), warns Ofcom. This is due to the proximity of DTT frequencies to those which will be made use by mobile phone networks. Besides, few of the DTT receivers were attuned to receive the entire frequency band along with those that has been assigned for LTE use.

The findings of the tests conducted by Ofcom suggests that the problem is mainly seen in homes with an amplifier as they get overfilled by the mobile signals more than a standard TV receiver. Ofcom comes with various solutions for this problem including installation satellite or cable services were restoring digital terrestrial TV is impossible and using mitigation techniques like Filtering at the DTT receiver, Filtering at the base station, and Alterations to DTT equipment, Re-orienting DTT aerials, opposite polarisation to DTT and Base station power reductions.

Using these kinds of proposals and mitigation techniques, the affect will be reduced to 90% and filters would minimize the affect down by 95%. The funds for this will be provided through the mobile network licensees.