CED reports on movement for a Dig Once bill…

Newly introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate would require broadband infrastructure conduits to be built alongside certain federal highway projects.

Proponents argue the policy, known as “dig once,” would bolster high-speed broadband access, particularly in rural and underserved areas. …

Daines introduced the Streamlining and Investing in Broadband Infrastructure Act along with fellow Republican Cory Gardner of Colorado and Democratic Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota.

The measure would also establish a “standard fee” to facilitate broadband infrastructure siting. The fee would cover leasing agreements for telecommunications projects or grant a real property interest to states, wireless carriers or other parties hoping to build on federal property.