‘Dig-Once’ Policy Aims To Make High Speed Internet Widely Accessible, Say Gov. Otti

Governor Alex Otto of Abia State has stated that one of the benefits of the Dig Once policy, which was announced on Wednesday, is that it will allow the state to make high-speed internet widely accessible to individuals and businesses.
In a brief signing ceremony in Umuahia, the state capital, the Governor stated that if the policy is implemented, it will support the adoption of smart enterprise initiatives, improved innovation, and expanded access to global markets, as well as the opportunities that have fueled the prosperity of many communities and nations around the world.
The Dig-Once policy will also give the government the authority to regulate and direct the construction and installation of underground broadband technology infrastructure for individual and enterprise use in urban and semi-urban areas.
“This policy is intended to guide technology companies, construction companies, and all other entities whose activities and business models include excavation, cable laying, and the installation of underground utilities infrastructure and technology assets.

“The Dig-Once Policy will be our most effective tool for coordinating all excavation and trenching projects along utility corridors, avoiding duplication of efforts while also protecting our road infrastructure from unintended consequences.
“Service providers can deploy their service infrastructure more seamlessly and at a lower cost by erecting underground ducts.
“Additionally, the Dig Once Policy will result in a significant reduction in unnecessary losses caused by the destruction of underground cables and other types of infrastructure during construction projects, as well as the subsequent disruption of internet services.

“The policy we have just signed is the result of strategic inter-ministerial collaboration led by my office, with active participation from the State Ministries of Digital Economy and SMEs, Science and Technology, and Works.
“In very practical terms, the signing of this policy signals our firm commitment to tapping into the endless opportunities and promises of the world of high-speed internet and telecommunications services.”
The visibly excited Governor stated, “Our goal is to make high-speed internet widely available to individuals and businesses in ways that encourage the adoption of smart enterprise initiatives, improved innovation, and expanded access to global markets.”
He stated that the target demographic is young people who are actively migrating to the digital space in search of new opportunities, with the expectation that this policy will provide them with wings to fly as high-speed internet services become more common throughout the state.
“Whether they are starting their own businesses, working remotely for companies in various parts of the world, selling their products, or purchasing from virtual shops in other places, the goal is to provide them with the support they need to pursue their dreams.
“The Dig-Once policy, therefore, looks beyond just the laying of underground cables and pipes. The goal is more ambitious, as we hope that this policy will drive job creation for our youth, combat poverty, and improve people’s lives regardless of where they live.
“Not much will be accomplished in this regard without the active participation of all stakeholders, which include telecom and utility companies, construction firms, and individuals who may need to excavate along our utility corridors.”

Governor Otti therefore urged stakeholders to interface with the relevant agencies to ensure that they do not violate the provisions of this policy.

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