“Dig Once” rule requiring fiber deployment is finally set to become US law

A simple policy that could speed up fiber Internet deployment throughout the US is finally on track to become US law. A "Dig Once" measure that requires fiber conduit installation during many federally funded road projects was passed by the US House of Representatives via voice vote as part of a broader reauthorization of the Federal Communications Commission. 

Rep Anna Eshoo (D-CA) first submitted Dig Once legislation in 2009 and has periodically resubmitted the legislation in the years since. The Dig Once policy "mandates the inclusion of broadband conduit—plastic pipes which house fiber-optic communications cable—during the construction of any road receiving federal funding," Rep Eshoo said. "This will reduce costs drastically and increase access for communities across the country," making it "easier for states and broadband providers to enter new and underserved markets." Conduit would be installed during road projects in cases "where there's a demonstrated need for broadband access," she said.