Accelerating Broadband Infrastructure Deployment
Jun 20, 2012
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Jun 14, 2012
Published on: Jun 20, 2012
Jun 20, 2012
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Jun 14, 2012
Published on: Jun 20, 2012
Summary
Creates a plan for federal agencies to work together to speed up the building of high-speed internet on government land and along federal highways.
What problem does this solve?
Many communities lack good internet because it is hard to build on the huge amount of land the government owns. This order makes federal agencies create simpler, faster rules for building broadband infrastructure on this property.
What does this order do?
Creates a broadband working group
Establishes the Broadband Deployment on Federal Property Working Group to make sure all federal agencies use a consistent approach to speed up internet infrastructure projects.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Header:
Coordinating Consistent and Efficient Federal Broadband Procedures, Requirements, and Policies
Requires agencies to create faster processes
Orders federal agencies to develop and use a plan that makes the process for approving broadband projects on federal land and highways quicker and more efficient.
Standardizes contracts and permits
Directs agencies to create and use simple, uniform templates for contracts and permits, making it easier for companies to apply to build broadband on federal property.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Header:
Deployment of Conduit for Broadband Facilities in Conjunction with Federal or Federally Assisted Highway Construction
Promotes 'dig once' policies
Requires the Department of Transportation to create rules that encourage laying fiber optic cables at the same time as highway construction to avoid digging up roads multiple times.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Header:
Coordinating Consistent and Efficient Federal Broadband Procedures, Requirements, and Policies
Makes information publicly available
Requires agencies to provide clear and current information online about how to get access to federal property for building broadband networks.
Who does this affect?
- Telecommunications companies
- Residents in underserved areas
- Federal land-management agencies
What is the real world impact?
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Boosts national economic competitiveness
Aims to improve the economy, create jobs, and help American businesses compete globally by expanding access to high-speed internet, a crucial resource for modern markets.
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Reduces costs for internet providers
Simplifies the process for telecommunication companies to get permission to build on federal land, potentially lowering their costs and encouraging them to expand their networks into new areas.
When does this start?
This order became effective on June 14, 2012, and includes several deadlines for federal agencies to complete specific tasks.
Agency Strategy Submission
Within 180 days of the order (by December 11, 2012), federal agencies must submit their plans for speeding up broadband deployment.
Working Group Progress Report
Within one year of the order (by June 14, 2013), the new working group must report on the progress made in implementing the new broadband policies.
Standardized Contract Development
Within one year of the order (by June 14, 2013), agencies must create uniform templates for contracts and permits for broadband projects.
'Dig Once' Best Practices
Within one year of the order (by June 14, 2013), the Department of Transportation must review and implement best practices for 'dig once' requirements.