at800 to test 4G at 800 MHz in York

Everything needs to test in the real world and I don’t mean by squirting something into a monkeys face. I mean by flipping a big switch and seeing how many people complain. The airwaves in York are about to get busy.

So who are are at800? They are an organisation responsible for ensuring people continue to receive free-to-air television when 4G mobile services operating at 800 MHz are launched. The organisation is funded by the UK mobile operators with 800 MHz spectrum allocations to provide 4G services – EE, Telefónica UK (O2), Three and Vodafone. So far they have done tests and trials in the West Midlandssouth east Londonwest London and Brighton.

Around 10,000 addresses in an area west of York city centre will receive a postcard later this week explaining that 4G at 800 MHz could cause problems with their Freeview service. Exciting times are ahead for west of York residents, being metaphorical monkeys having stuff squirted in their faces.

Simon Beresford-Wylie, chief executive of at800, said,

“The testing in York will help us further refine our approach, alongside the tests we’ve conducted and which continue in Brighton.4 We urge those viewers in York who receive a postcard, and who see new problems with their Freeview reception, to call us.”

Viewers can call at800 on 0333 31 31 800 but no doubt if you do receive a post card it will advise you what to do.

It is nice to see these things being tested and it is also nice to see 4G slowly rolling out around the country. If only it would work 2 miles outside of Nottingham City Centre.