What's Happening?
A letter to the editor in the Paso Robles Daily News advocates for a "dig once, connect twice" policy on the Central Coast to integrate broadband infrastructure with other public works projects. The author, Jordan Berry, argues that reliable broadband should
be considered a fundamental utility, on par with roads and public safety. California is currently developing an open-access middle-mile broadband network, with over 8,200 planned network miles across all 58 counties by August 2026. The proposal suggests that state and local agencies should be mandated to coordinate broadband installation with existing projects like highway repairs and utility upgrades that require excavation. This approach aims to maximize efficiency and reduce costs by avoiding redundant digging, ensuring that multiple public needs are addressed simultaneously during construction.
Why It's Important?
The "dig once, connect twice" initiative is crucial for the Central Coast and potentially for broader state infrastructure development. By integrating broadband installation with other public works, communities can achieve significant cost savings and accelerate the deployment of essential internet services. Beyond basic internet access, fiber infrastructure laid along transportation and utility corridors can support critical functions such as traffic monitoring, infrastructure sensors, emergency communications, and wildfire detection. This integrated approach enhances community resilience, particularly in disaster-prone areas, by providing more robust and redundant communication systems. Unreliable communication infrastructure can severely hinder emergency response efforts, making this policy vital for public safety. Implementing such a strategy would benefit residents, businesses, and emergency services by providing more reliable and widespread connectivity, fostering economic growth, and improving overall public welfare.
What's Next?
To advance the "dig once, connect twice" policy, California would need to adopt stronger legislative requirements and create regional coordination teams. These teams would facilitate collaboration among transportation agencies, utilities, broadband providers, and emergency services to share conduit and infrastructure data. Incentives could be offered to encourage participation and ensure compliance. Additionally, new construction projects should include spare conduit to allow future providers to expand services without requiring further excavation. The next steps involve legislative action to mandate these coordinated efforts and the establishment of inter-agency frameworks to manage and oversee integrated infrastructure projects. Public advocacy, like the letter from Jordan Berry, plays a role in raising awareness and building support for these policy changes among lawmakers and the public.
Beyond the Headlines
The "dig once, connect twice" concept represents a paradigm shift in infrastructure planning, moving from siloed project management to a more holistic and integrated approach. This strategy not only addresses immediate connectivity needs but also lays the groundwork for future technological advancements and smart city initiatives. Ethically, it promotes responsible use of taxpayer money by minimizing redundant work and maximizing the utility of public investments. Legally, it would require new regulations and inter-agency agreements to ensure seamless coordination and data sharing. Culturally, it signifies a growing recognition of broadband as a fundamental right and a critical component of modern life, essential for education, healthcare, and economic participation. Long-term, this approach could lead to more resilient, efficient, and technologically advanced communities, better prepared for future challenges and opportunities.
