4G LTE Filters: Eliminate TV Interference

This article explains what a 4G LTE filter (sometimes called a 4G TV filter) is and how it’s used to prevent interference from LTE signals with your digital television reception.

As you probably know, digital terrestrial television (DTT) operates within the UHF frequency band, specifically from 470MHz to 790MHz.

LTE, or Long Term Evolution, is a technology designed for high-speed data internet connections. It uses the frequency band from 790MHz up to approximately 860MHz.

This overlap in frequencies can lead to interference with DTV channels that are close to the LTE frequency band.

LTE Interference on TV Reception

Modern television equipment, including antennas and amplifiers, are generally designed to receive good TV signals without interference. However, older DTT installations might need a 4G LTE filter to block unwanted signals.

Figure 1: A typical TV installation setup.

As shown in the figure above, the 4G LTE filter is placed between the antenna and the cable TV modem. Its purpose is to block LTE frequency bands, ensuring a clearer TV signal.

The table below outlines the frequency bands used in DTT and LTE broadband.

A 4G LTE filter can function as either a Low Pass Filter or a Band Stop Filter. It allows DTT frequencies to pass through while rejecting (or stopping) LTE frequencies.

Figure 2: Example of a 4G LTE filter from TRIAX, including the filter module and necessary cable assembly.

4G LTE Filter Vendors

Here are some vendors that offer 4G LTE filters or 4G TV filters:

• Wainwright Instruments, GmbH
• TRIAX, Denmark
• Jaycar Electronics, Australia
• at800
• One For All (https://www.oneforall.com/)

Typically, these LTE 4G filters are provided by cable TV installation companies or your TV service provider.