Insights Ofcom publishes technical study into the coexistence of 4G mobile phones and hearing aids

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Ofcom has published a detailed technical study into the coexistence of 4G mobile phones and assistive listening devices (ALDs).

This work has been carried out ahead of the award of new airwaves for mobile broadband in the 2.3 GHz band (2350-2390 MHz). This band sits near the licence-exempt 2.4 GHz band, which is used by some hearing aids, radio aids, and sound processors used for cochlear implants, together referred to as ALDs.

While initial testing in 2014 was successful, some stakeholders requested further assurance that ALDs using Bluetooth and other related technologies would not be vulnerable to interference in exceptional circumstances.

The results presented in this report show that ALDs are more robust in the presence of 4G mobile smartphone devices than initially revealed in the 2014 tests. Ofcom does not expect the award of 2.3 GHz spectrum to cause any significant issues for ALD users. To access the study, click here.

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