Freeview urge Government to revise 4G proposals
Freeview has called on the Government to revise its proposals on the level of support offered to consumers regarding potential DTT interference from the introduction of 4G mobile services.
At a parliamentary briefing Freeview expressed concern that the Government commitment to securing a £180 million fund to pay for countering the effects of 4G interference 'does not go far enough to meet consumer needs'.
Ilse Howling, Managing Director of Freeview, said: "It is vital that any strategy listens to what consumers want and need. We strongly believe that the Freeview homes should not be subject to further inconvenience and additional cost to make way for mobile broadband.
"The Government has committed to recouping the cost of protecting viewers from interference, using proceeds from the 4G mobile auction. However, this will still leave viewers to bear a substantial proportion of the cost. The mobile phone operators will be the ultimate beneficiaries of this new service, and we believe that they should pay to mitigate the television interference according to the 'polluter pays' principle."
Freeview is calling on Government to address concerns regarding new equipment installation support, costs affecting consumers with second sets (Freeview noted that the Government plans to supply free filters for only the main TV set in the home) and support for the elderly.
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