Penryn homeowners are being warned that new 4G phone masts which are set to bring faster mobile access to the town could also interfere with Freeview television reception.

The new masts being switched on in Penryn send signals transmitted at 800 MHz which can cause interference to digital television received via an aerial, leading to loss of channels or sound, pixelated pictures, or screens freezing, going blank or showing a ‘No Signal’ message.

But a free solution is being offered by at800, a company set up by mobile network providers under government direction, so viewers can keep enjoying their favourite programmes.

Ben Roome, chief executive 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 TV, like Sky or Virgin, won’t be affected. However, if viewers have cable and satellite TV and also watch Freeview, at800 can provide free filters and advice, but not in-home engineer support.

People who live in communal properties should contact at800 and also advise their landlords. at800 can provide free filters to landlords but property managers are responsible for the cost of fitting these.

The company offers support for people over 75, who are registered blind or partially sighted, or receive personal independence payments, attendance allowance, constant attendance allowance or war pensioner’s mobility support.

For information contact at800 on 0808 13 13 800 or visit www.at800.tv