Two FCC members Thursday touted the urgent need for the creation of a national broadband public safety network that would enable emergency first responders to better communicate with each other. During an FCC field hearing on the issue, Commissioner Michael Copps said while it's "a problem crying out for a solution," he does not see a grand solution on the horizon. His call for urgent action on the issue was echoed by his Republican colleague, Meredith Attwell Baker. Calling it one of the most important items on the FCC's agenda, she said, "We must get this done."

While lamenting the failure of past efforts, Copps cited some progress on the issue such as the creation of the agency's Public Safety and Homeland Security bureau, which is aimed at ensuring the operation of communication systems during and after an emergency. He said he is hopeful the national broadband plan the FCC is crafting, as mandated by the economic stimulus plan, will provide some direction on the issue. "It's time for us to pull together, united by a common goal, to enhance the safety of the American people," Copps said.

He said his first choice would be to use public funds to build such a network but that opportunity passed in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. A 2008 effort to create a public-private partnership to build a national network also failed. He acknowledged that the economic downturn has added new challenges. Another issue that must be addressed, he said, is ensuring that those jurisdictions that are moving ahead to build their own public safety broadband networks will be able to communicate with a yet-to-be-built national public network.