To make way for new and better 4G data services for everyone’s mobile devices, Ofcom has decided to change the Freeview system around starting in 2017. The North West region will not change until 2020.
What is 700MHz clearance?
Back in 2012, the UK completed the switch to digital-only TV to provide greater viewing choice, high definition channels improved reliability and better picture quality.
Digital TV makes much more efficient use of the UHF broadcast frequencies. This has meant that nine old frequencies used by TV (C61 to C69) could be sold to Three, EE, Vodafone and O2 for use by mobile phones to access the internet at higher speeds than before.
The current frequencies being used:
The ever-growing demand for mobile internet – that works reliably when traveling, inside shops and offices – means that review will need to vacate more broadcast channels (C49 to C60) in about four years’ time. The Winter Hill frequencies are between 49 and 58. So this will affect our region.
To make way for new and better 4G data services for everyone’s mobile devices, Ofcom has decided to change the Freeview system around starting in 2017. The North West region will not change until 2020.