Modernization projects create opportunities to co-locate infrastructure—like broadband—by using a ‘dig once’ approach.
Irrigation districts across the West will install hundreds of miles of irrigation pipe in coming years. Installing empty conduit alongside pipelines allows for future fiber optic cable and/or electrical lines at significantly reduced cost.
East Fork Irrigation District & Co-Location
What It Is
Co-location can help reach rural residents who are often left out of traditional infrastructure builds.
A significant barrier to improving telecommunications and energy infrastructure in rural areas has been the expense associated with siting, rights-of-way, engineering, permitting, and installation. Irrigation modernization projects already cover most of these costs, making co-located fiber optic and electric distribution lines more feasible and cost-effective.