Google Fiber Pens Open Letter to State Broadband Leaders

State broadband leaders should work with 811 call centers to avoid digging issues when deploying networks, said a Google Fiber open letter posted Wednesday by the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society. State 811 centers require utility companies to mark assets before excavation projects occur through a “locates” process, but the “current locates system is not designed to handle the vast amount of new project work anticipated in the next few years,” wrote Google Fiber. “It will be imperative to limit unnecessary locates as well as ensure locators are given additional time to prepare. We recommend updating the existing locates process to accommodate the increased construction activity and improving practices and processes to protect communities and maintain public safety.” Also, Google recommended state broadband leaders seek to streamline permitting processes, including by setting up one place online to submit permits and urging localities to choose a single point of contact to coordinate all approvals. States should restrict ISPs that have received public funding from the ability to make exclusive marketing agreements at multifamily buildings, it said. Designate a state liaison to coordinate with cities on broadband buildout, keep localities up to date on fresh deployment methods like microtrenching, and set up a state-county-city task force to share best practices, suggested the ISP.