Across Australia, households are being forced to outlay up to $300 to have their free-to-air television reception returned after the installation of a new 4G tower nearby.

When the government switched free-to-air TV over to the digital network, they sold off the old frequencies to Optus Mobile, Telstra and TPG Internet. Thousands of new 4G telecommunications towers are being erected all over Australia and they use the old TV frequencies. This is great news for those of us who need access to the 4G network, which let's face it is virtually everybody, but it can be bad news for those who wish to continue viewing their free-to-air television service.

A new 4G tower was recently erected near our home. We, along with our entire street and several surrounding streets, then lost some or all of our free-to-air TV channels. After consulting a technician they confirmed that the issue was widespread in our area and was the result of a recently erected 4G tower. I contacted the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and, whilst sympathetic to my plight, was told that there is nothing they can do as the Telcos are technically not breaching any regulations. I was then told that it was my fault! Apparently my receiving equipment is now inadequate and I need to pay to have the issue rectified!

And here lies the problem.

• The government sold off the old frequencies in 2013 to Optus, Telstra and TPG for just under $2billion!
• The Telcos are erecting new 4G towers that will utilise the old TV frequencies.
• And if you are affected by the interference from the new 4G towers, that use the old frequencies, that the Government made $2b from selling, YOU have to pay to have the issue rectified!

It may be legal, BUT THAT IS JUST NOT FAIR!

The interference isn't a new or unknown phenomenon, but for some reason the government chose to ignore the possibility that thousands of households across the country would be affected. In the UK, the Government foresaw this issue and actually started an organisation, at800, that is funded by the Telcos, to address the issue. Households were informed of potential interference issues and then should the issue arise, the organisation arranged for a technician to rectify the issue at no cost to the householder.

I am asking the Minister to explain to me how it is fair for the Government to profit from the sale of the old frequencies and for the Telcos to profit from the new 4G network, whilst potentially thousands of households are having to pay to get their free-to-air TV channels back on! I am also asking him to explain to me why the Government shouldn't compensate those households who are now out of pocket through no fault of their own.