3RD DISTRICT, NEW JERSEY
JON RUNYAN
SUBCOMMITTEE ON READINESS
COMMITIEE ON ARMED SERVICES
SUBCOMMITTEE ON
TACTICAL AI~ AND LAND FORCES
COMMITIEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES
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January 25, 2012
SUBCOMMITTEE ON HEALTH
COMMITIEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS
CHAIRMAN
SUBCOMMITTEE ON DISABILITY ASSISTANCE
AND MEMORIAL AFFAIRS
Julius Genachowski
Chairman, Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street SW
Washington, DC 20554
ItM
Dear Chairman Genachowski,
I am writing today to express my concern regarding ongoing digital television transmissions interference to public
safety communications systems in southern New Jersey and request the Commission resolve interference issues
on public safety radio.
The public safety radio frequencies in several southern New Jersey counties, including Burlington, Camden and
Ocean Counties, have been experiencing interference since 2002. This interference has been magnified due to the
FCC's licensing ofdigital television stations in the 500 MHz spectrum. In addition, the signal from out-of-state
digital television stations in certain weather conditions can also cause interference. These conditions have made it
difficult for public safety radio stations here in New Jersey to perform their functions.
As you know, this interference can lead to interrupted communications between emergency dispatchers and
emergency responders. Radio signals that are scrambled or eliminated altogether can result in catastrophe ifour
first responders are unable to be communicated with in real-time.
As a result of the communications problems caused by DTV interference, municipalities and counties have been
encouraged to move their systems to the 700 MHz spectrum, while using the 500 MHz frequency as a back-up.
However, moving to a new frequency can cost millions of dollars, and there is no guarantee that municipalities
and counties will have clear radio frequencies moving forward.
The complaints relayed to my office by Emergency Management personnel in Burlington, Camden and Ocean
Counties are extremely troubling. It is my hope that the FCC work with these counties to resolve these issues and
ensure that public safety is preserved in our communities. I also ask that you respond to this letter in writing with
how the FCC intends to resolve the current interference issues so that our first responders are able to
communicate on a clear, reliable frequency now and in the future.
Sincerely,
II
Runyan.Hause.Gov
. Jon Runyan
Member of Congress
MT, LAUREL
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