Dig Once

Dig Once policies increase broadband infrastructure access for residents and businesses by lowering capital costs incurred by ISPs by aligning road projects with broadband deployment projects. Because digging a trench and installing cables represent the costliest part of expanding broadband infrastructure for ISPs, installation of communications infrastructure in a trench dug for a road project would significantly reduce ISP costs and create the incentive to expand broadband to unserved or underserved areas.

In addition to lowering capital expenditures, adoption of these policies would allow NCDOT and local municipalities to designate appropriate pathways and better manage right of ways by reducing the number and scale of excavations. The Nationwide Dig Once Act of 2020 is also being considered on a national level.