Bill 117 HR 3703, also known as the Nationwide Dig Once Act of 2021, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to promote the efficient deployment of broadband infrastructure by requiring the inclusion of broadband conduit during certain federally funded highway construction projects.
The bill mandates that when a state receives federal funding for a highway construction project, they must also install broadband conduit along the route. This conduit would allow for the easy installation of fiber optic cables, which are essential for high-speed internet access.
By including broadband conduit in highway construction projects, the Nationwide Dig Once Act aims to reduce the cost and time associated with deploying broadband infrastructure. This would make it easier for broadband providers to expand their networks and improve internet access for communities across the country.
Overall, the Nationwide Dig Once Act of 2021 seeks to promote the widespread availability of high-speed internet by leveraging federally funded highway projects to facilitate the deployment of broadband infrastructure.